Taking Shock Seriously

Taking Shock Seriously

When the body shuts down because of injury, immediate care is critical

Shock is the body's way of trying to deal with a bad situation. When a body experiences trauma from a serious injury, it often finds itself unable to maintain proper blood flow to all its organs. Shock is the mechanism that allows the body to ration blood flow so that the most important organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys, get the blood they need, even when that means that less vital parts, such as arms, legs, and skin have to make do with less. This natural triage cannot be sustained for very long, however, without causing potentially life-threatening damage to the brain and heart.

Shock, says the red cross, ”can't be managed effectively by first aid alone. A victim of shock requires advanced medical care as soon as possible.”

The early signs of shock include:

• 
  
•     Restlessness or irritability.
•     Altered or confused consciousness.
•     Pale, cool, moist skin.
•     Rapid breathing.
•     Rapid pulse.

Taking Shock Seriously. Photo by Elena

The proper response to shock is to do the following:

•     Stretch the victim out on his or her back.
•     Treat any open bleeding.
•     Help the injured restore normal body temperature, covering him or her if there is chilling.
•     Talk to the victim reassuringly.
•     Prop the legs up about a foot unless there are possible head, neck, or back injuries, or broken bones in the hips or legs.
•     Don't offer food or drink, even though the victim probably feels thirsty,=.
•     Call the rescue service immediately.

Blood in the AIDS Era

Some precautions from the American Red Cross

When the emergency that requires your assistance involves heavy bleeding, it's important that you take precautions to protect yourself against the risk of infection. That's especially true if you have a cut, scrape, or sore that could allow a bleeding person's blood to mix directly with yours. One of the easiest ways for an infectious disease such as the AIDS virus or hepatitis B to be transmitted is through direct blood-to-blood exchange. To minimize risk, the American Red Cross advises the following:

•     Avoid blood splashes.
•     Keep and use disposable latex gloves in emergencies involving bleeding.
•     If gloves are unavailable, cover the wound with a dressing or other available barrier such as plastic wrap.
•     Avoid any contact in which the victim's blood touches any cuts, scrapes, or skin irritations you may have.
•     Always wash your hands as soon as possible, whether or not you wore gloves.

Control Bleeding from a Major Open Wound

Pressure is the key to stopping blood loss from a serious injury. Bearing down on arterial pressure points may be necessary.

If a person is bleeding

1. Step 1. Do not waste time washing wound. Cover it with sterile dressing or clean cloth and press firmly against the wound with hand.
2. Step 2. Elevate the wound, if possible, above the level of the heart.
3. Step 3. Apply a roller bandage snugly over the dressing to keep pressure on the wound, If bleeding doesn't stop...
4. Step 4. Apply additional dressings. Find a pressure point where you can squeeze the artery against the bone. If bleeding is from the leg, press with the heel of your hand where the leg bends at the hip.

A Roller Bandage Used to Control Bleeding

To apply a pressure bandage, start by securing the bandage over the dressing. Use overlapping turns to cover the dressing completely.

Tie of tape the bandage in place. If blood soaks through, put on more dressings and bandages. Do not remove bloodsoaked ones.

Check fingers or toes for warmth, color and felling. If they are pale and cold, bandage is too tight. Loosen it.