Melbourn Health Training Services - Excellence in health and fitness education

EXCELLENCE
IN HEALTH AND FITNESS EDUCATION

Email: mhts

Phone: 95637222

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Monday - Friday

SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK SHOCK

Causes of Shock

Shock is the loss of circulating blood volume that in turn depresses the vital organs of the body. It is caused by illness or injury and can be seen on a spectrum from mild to severe. Severe blood or fluid loss, widening of blood vessels as a reaction to a substance, e.g. penicillin. Shock is always present in serious injury particularly when there is severe bleeding, pain or fluid loss from burns. A healthy circulation is maintained when the heart pumps sufficient blood after each contraction or heart beat. The blood vessels must not leak or be damaged or cut. This results in a loss of circulating blood, haemoglobin and oxygen that can be supplied to all parts of the body. When blood vessels dilate quickly, blood volume will be lowered and this causes the blood pressure to decrease. This can be caused by spinal injury, anaphylaxis or over heating and lead to mild or severe shock. LOSS OF BLOOD VOLUME DUE TO BLEEDING PLASMA LOSS DUE TO BURNS LOSS FLUIDS CAUSED BY VOMITING, DIARRHOEA, DEHYDRATION REDUCTION OF PUMPING ABILITY OF HEART BLOOD POOLING IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD VESSELS EMOTIONAL TRAUMA SEPTIC SHOCK
	Fig 1. heart fails to pump enough blood


	Fig 2. loss of body fluids - blood

	Fig 3. Blood vessel dilation

Excessive Bleeding

Excessive bleeding will effect the circulation of the blood
and depress the function of the vital organs due to a lack of oxygen supply.

Blood Vessel Dilation and Reduced Blood Pressure

Dilated blood vessels cause a reduction in blood pressure
and this depress the function of the vital organs due to a lack of oxygen supply.

Symptoms and Signs of Shock - Bleeding and Blood Vessel Dilation

Weak rapid pulse
Pale cold clammy skin
Faster, shallow breathing
Restlessness
Apprehension
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Unconsciousness

Management of Shock

D.R.A.B.C.D.
Rest and reassure the casualty and lie flat
Keep warm - do not overheat
Raise the legs
Do not give anything by mouth
Urgent medical aid

N.B. If the casualty has an abdominal injury

- lay casualty down
- raise the legs
- bend the knees
- ensuring the lower legs are above the level of the knees.

Heart Failure

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a gradual process caused by the heart’s weakening pumping ability, which results in a reduced blood flow to the vital organs and tissues of the body. It is almost always a chronic, long-term condition, managed with medication, diet and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms associated with heart failure include:

extreme tiredness or general loss of energy
shortness of breath with activity or lying flat
loss of appetite
abdominal discomfort
swollen ankles, legs or abdomen
weight gain
decreased urination

Other, less common causes of heart failure are:

valvular heart disease
congenital heart defects
uncontrolled arrhythmias
medication (such as from cancer treatment)
severe hypertension

Severe Allergic Reaction - Anaphylactic Shock

treat for shock
give any prescribed medication if available
maintain airways
assist into most comfortable position
if person falls unconscious, place them into the lateral position and monitor their airways, breathing and circulation.
urgent medical aid is required

Vital Signs

You can measure a patient's vital signs by checking for signs of life. This will indicate whether the airways are clear, breathing is present and that heart is beating.