FIRST AID FOR CASUALTIES IN SHOCK
Shock is a critical condition brought on by the sudden drop in blood flow through the body. When a person is in shock, his or her organs aren't getting enough blood or oxygen.
Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning, severe burns, or other causes.
The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
There are 5 TYPES OF SHOCK you should be aware of and be ready to respond to in emergencies;
1. SEPTIC SHOCK: septic shocks occur from infections affecting the whole body that lead to low blood pressure. It affects infants, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Bacteria, fungi, and some viruses–upon gaining entrance into the body—could elicit septic shock.
2. ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK(Anaphylaxis):This is a severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body. When reacting to allergies, the body releases histamine which causes the airways to tighten and also causes inflammation in other body parts.
3. CARDIOGENIC SHOCK:This is a type of shock that results from heart problems. In this case, the heart is damaged and cannot pump blood as it should. It usually results from heart attack/myocardial infarction or any other serious heart condition.
4. HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK:This results from excessive loss of blood and body fluids due to injury. Hypovolemic shock occurs when a person loses a fifth or more of their blood volume, this makes the heart not pump sufficient blood to the organs–resulting in shock.
5. Neurogenic shock:Occurs from damage to the nervous system. It is common with spinal cord injuries from accidents and other forms of injuries.
First Aid for Shock casualties
❗If you suspect the victim to be suffering from shock, immediately call for emergency medical services, especially if you have no formal training in first aid.
Don’t leave the victim as you await help to arrive.
❗Lay the victim down with legs and feet elevated about ten inches unless doing so causes more harm to the victim. If the victim has difficulty breathing, rather than elevating their feet, raise their head and shoulders about ten inches.
❗Avoid moving the victim unnecessarily as it may worsen the victim's condition.
❗Check for any tight clothes and loosen them to allow for the free flow of blood.
❗Check for signs of life. You can talk to them and see if they respond, listen to their breathing, or see breathing signs such as rising and falling of the chest. You can also check for body movement and coughing.
❗If the victim doesn’t show any signs of life, start performing CPR immediately. CPR will keep the victim alive by maintaining blood circulation. If you are not CPR certified, get someone who holds a CPR certification. The procedure involves 100 chest compressions per minute. After each 30 chest compressions give the victim mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
However, if you are uncomfortable giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, especially to a stranger, the chest compression will also help keep the victim alive. If the AED is available, let a CPR-certified person use it.
The AED device analyses the state of the victim and provides shocks when necessary. It provides visual prompts that guide the user. Knowledge of the use of the AED and CPR is available in online CPR certification programs.
❗Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink. It might worsen the condition through choking.
❗If the victim is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, lay them on their side to prevent choking. Do not turn persons suspected to have spinal injuries.
❗Let the victim remain covered with a warm blanket to prevent chilling. Victims of shock have challenges maintaining their normal body temperature due to insufficient blood in circulation.
❗If the victim has injuries, provide the appropriate first aid. First aid training programs offer skills on the use of locally available materials to offer help to victims in emergencies. These include injuries to different body parts.
Join organizations like the Nigerian red Cross Society today, to acquire basic life-saving skills.
Have a great day peopleđź‘‹
©️ PUBLIC HEALTH ORBITAL
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