First Aid: Shock
Shock can result from any serious injury.
- Symptoms include pale, cold, clammy skin; rapid pulse; shallow breathing; and fear in the victim.
- To treat shock:
- Keep the victim lying on his or her back.
- In some cases, shock victims improve by raising their feet 8–10 inches.
- If the victim is having trouble breathing, raise the victim’s head and shoulders about 10 inches rather than raising the feet.
- Maintain normal body temperature, and loosen any restrictive clothing.
- Try to keep the victim calm and comfortable, and get medical help as quickly as possible.
- Keep the victim lying on his or her back.