Emergency First Aid: Recognizing and Responding to Shock

After an accident or a severe fright, the blood vessels in a person’s body can react by constricting and cutting off the normal supply of blood to the heart and brain. This condition is commonly known as “shock,” and it is best to treat any recent accident victim as if shock is imminent. Follow these directions to keep your shock victim calm and still until the paramedics arrive.

Instructions

• 1

  Lay the injured person on her back with her feet resting higher than her head. If she has a head injury, however, do not raise her feet above her head.

• 2

  Loosen any constricting clothing, and remove her shoes.

• 3

  Keep the shock victim warm by covering her with blankets, cloth or your body.

• 4

  Help her to drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm and salty ones.