Shock symptoms and first aid

What to look for - shock
If you think somebody could be suffering from shock, there are seven key things to look for:

Paleness of the face (pallor)
Cold, clammy skin
Fast, shallow breathing
Fast, weak pulse
Yawning or sighing
Confusion
Loss of response (in extreme cases)
What you need to do - shock
If they are showing signs of shock:

• Lay them down with their head low and legs raised and supported, to increase the flow of blood to their head. Do not raise an injured leg.

• Call emergency for medical help and say you think they are in shock, and explain what you think caused it (such as bleeding or a heart attack).

• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist to make sure it doesn’t constrict their blood flow

• Fear and pain can make shock worse, by increasing the body’s demand for oxygen, so while you wait for help to arrive, it’s important to keep them comfortable, warm and calm. Do this by covering them with a coat or blanket and comforting and reassuring them

• Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response.

• If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing, and prepare to treat someone who has become unresponsive.