How to Treat for Shock During First Aid

Treat every injured person initially for shock until his or her condition stabilizes and you've ruled out a serious injury or illness (see "How to Evaluate for Shock During First Aid").

Things You'll Need

• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Blankets
• First Aid Kits
• Latex Gloves
• Watches With Second Hands
• Evacuation Insurance
• Sleeping Pads
• Safety Goggles
• Surgical Masks

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Scrub hands thoroughly with soap and disinfected water.

• 2

  Put on latex gloves to prevent the spread of infectious disease.

ABCs

• 3

  Check the injured person's airway, breathing and circulation. Open and maintain the airway, and perform rescue breathing or CPR if necessary (see "How to Clear an Obstructed Airway" and "How to Provide Rescue Breathing for an Adult During First Aid.")

• 4

  Stop any bleeding (see "How to Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid" and "How to Treat Severe Bleeding During First Aid").

• 5

  Splint any fractures (see eHows on splinting).

Body Temperature and Elevation of Feet

• 6

  Calm and reassure the injured person.

• 7

  Insulate the injured person from cold ground by putting a sleeping pad or blanket underneath him. You may have to logroll the person if a spinal injury is suspected (see "How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid").

• 8

  Maintain a comfortable body temperature for the injured person. Cover him with a blanket, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and protect him from the wind or sun.

• 9

  Elevate the injured person's legs by 8 to 10 inches. This will increase blood flow to essential organs.