Dealing with Shock: A Guide for First Responders

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/

Shock is a life-threatening medical condition that can occur in a variety of situations, including trauma, infection, and severe bleeding. It's important for firefighters and other first responders to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of shock and to know how to treat it effectively.

First responders at a car crash scene attending to a patient in shock.

What is shock

When the body enters a state of shock, it undergoes a process called vasoconstriction. This is where the blood vessels throughout the body narrow and constrict in an attempt to redirect blood flow to the body's core organs, such as the heart, lungs, and brain. This is a protective mechanism that allows the body to prioritize blood flow to the most vital organs during times of stress or injury.

However, this process of vasoconstriction can have negative effects on other parts of the body. Blood flow to the extremities, such as the arms and legs, can be significantly reduced, which can lead to cold, clammy skin and impaired wound healing. The kidneys may also be affected, as decreased blood flow to the kidneys can lead to decreased urine output and impaired kidney function.

If shock is not addressed and blood flow to the body's core organs is not restored, the body's compensatory mechanisms may become overwhelmed and ineffective. This can lead to a state of decompensation, where the body's vital organs begin to fail and serious complications can occur.

What does shock look like?

Shock is characterized by a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Rapid heart rate and breathing

  • Low blood pressure

  • Cold, clammy skin

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Weakness or fatigue

  • Nausea or vomiting

    Different types of shock

    There are several different types of shock, each with their own unique causes and characteristics:

    1. Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a significant loss of blood or other fluids from the body, such as from a severe injury or dehydration.

    2. Cardiogenic shock is caused by a heart that is unable to pump blood effectively due to damage or disease.

    3. Obstructive shock occurs when there is a physical blockage that prevents blood from circulating properly, such as from a blood clot or a collapsed lung.

    4. Distributive shock is caused by a disruption of the body's natural balance of fluids and can be the result of severe infection, an allergic reaction, or neurological damage.

Treatment

  1. Administering high-flow oxygen:

    One of the first steps in treating someone in shock is to provide high-flow oxygen. This can help improve oxygen delivery to the body's tissues and organs.

  2. Addressing the underlying cause:

    Depending on the type of shock, there may be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. For example, if the shock is caused by severe bleeding, the bleeding must be stopped in order to effectively treat the shock.

  3. Monitoring vital signs:

    It's important to monitor the patient's vital signs, including their heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels, in order to determine the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

It's important to note that the specific treatment for shock will vary depending on the underlying cause and the patient's individual needs. Therefore, it's crucial for first responders to be properly trained and equipped to identify and treat shock in a timely and effective manner.

Training

At Delta Emergency Support Training, we understand the importance of being prepared for emergency situation. We offer a range of training sessions to help individuals and classes develop the skills and knowledge they need to respond to emergency situations. Our courses include Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and we offer in-person, hybrid, and online options to suit different needs.

If you have any questions about our training sessions or shock, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@deltaemergency.com and we'll be happy to assist you.