SHOCK
Shock is a serious and complex condition. It occurs when the body can no longer deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carry away the waste products of metabolism. True shock is not fainting, emotional distress or panic. Shock is a true dying process and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. Shock requires immediate emergency intervention. If you suspect your patient is in shock or is going into shock, notify the PIC immediately and call Aircare Access.
The circulatory system is made up of a pump, fluid and pipes. There are three mechanisms which may cause shock. First is the failure of the pump (heart). The most common cause of pump failure is actual damage to the heart from a heart attack. The second cause of shock is inadequate fluid (blood) to carry the oxygen, nutrients and waste products.
Bleeding is the most common cause of loss of fluid and can be either external or internal. The third cause of shock, and by far the least common, is the uncontrolled dilation or expansion of the pipes (blood vessels). Several conditions can cause blood vessel dilation, including spinal cord injury, infection and allergic reactions.
RECOGNIZING SHOCK
Identification of shock in the early stages is based on your ability to recognize and monitor a sympathetic response. Early signs of shock include a patient who seems very restless and anxious despite your attempts at calming, skin which turns pale, cool and sweaty and a rapid pulse which becomes more difficult to feel. As shock worsens, expect the patient to become less and less responsive. The extent of the patent’s injuries and the time that passes before those injuries are treated, will determine how quickly shock will occur.
Treatment
When trauma is involved, make certain the PIC and Aircare Access have been notified. Untreated shock, regardless of its cause, will progress to death. No matter what type of shock you are dealing with, the first aid treatment of shock is basically the same. Have the patient lie down with legs elevated about 12 inches. This is called the shock position. Placing a patient in this position aids the movement of blood to the core of the body, where most of the body’s vital organs are located.
Internal bleeding often escapes detection, because it is not visible. Since you cannot stop internal bleeding, your only first aid treatment is to place the patient in the shock position. Help maintain the patient’s body temperature by placing blankets or coats over him or her. If available, oxygen is an excellent adjunct to treatment.
Trauma 69
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101
