Shock: A Life Threatening Emergency

1
Shock A Life Threatening Emergency

• Result of circulatory system failure
• Inadequate blood flow to some part of the body
• A MAJOR CAUSE OF DEATH !!!

2
Shock 2

• Always treat victims for shock
• Shock
• can be prevented
• cannot be reversed

3
Types of Shock

• Cardiogenic
• Heart failure
• Neurogenic
• Spinal cord damage
• Drug overdose
• Vessels dilate
• Blood supply insufficient to fill vessels

4
Types of Shock 2

• Septic
• Result of a bacterial infection
• Vessels lose ability to contract
• Hypovolemic (Fluid Loss)
• Most common type
• Blood loss
• Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea or profuse
  sweating
• Anaphylactic will be dealt with later

5
Shock What To Look For

• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Altered mental status
• Rapid breathing and pulse
• Unresponsiveness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Anxiety / fear / sleepiness
• Blue nailbeds / skin

6
Shock What To Do

• Care for life threatening injuries
• Call 911
• Conscious victim
• In absence of spinal cord injury elevate legs
  8-12 inches
• injuries to upper half of body raise the upper
  half of body
• injuries to lower half of body, raise the lower
  half of the body
• Loosen clothing
• Cover victim (over and under)
• Do not let victim eat or drink
• May suck on wet cloth
• Unconscious Place in recovery position and cover

7
Shock When To Place In A Half Sitting Position

• Difficulty breathing
• Head injuries (when appropriate)
• Strokes
• Chest injuries
• Penetrating eye injuries
• Heart attack

8
Anaphylactic Shock

• Massive allergic reaction
• Causes dilation of vessels and carries fluid out
  of the blood through the capillary walls
• Always call 911
• Causes of Anaphylactic Shock
• Medications
• Foods and food additives
• Monosodium glutamate, peanuts
• Plant pollens
• Bee stings
• Radiographic dyes

9
Characteristics of Anaphylaxis

• Usually comes on in minutes / Peaks in 15-30
  minutes
• Sensation of warmth
• Intense itching of soles of feet and palms of
  hands
• Breathing difficulties
• Tightness and swelling in throat
• Coughing, sneezing, wheezing
• Tightness in chest

10
Characteristics of Anaphylaxis 2

• Increased pulse rate
• Swollen face, tongue, mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blue around lips and mouth

11
Anaphylaxis What To Do

• Check ABCs
• Use ice pack on bee sting
• Inject epinephrine (dilates bronchioles)
• (hopefully victim will have some)
• Inject in outside part of thigh, hold for 10
  seconds
• May need to repeat
• Get help immediately - 911(float trip)
• Benedryl too slow for major emergency, but
  worth a try