Shock

Shock is a condition in which there is a slowing or diminution of the flow of blood around your body (peripheral circulation).This produces a decrease in your blood pressure and an inadequate volume of red blood cells. The result: the supply of oxygen to tissues falls below normal amounts. This decrease may produce various symptoms. Shock is a common complication of injury, infection, burns, heart attack and other conditions. It is not a consequence of emotional stress such as the sudden death of a loved one.

Diagonsis and treatment of a shocked patient:

Symptoms: The following symptoms indicate the presence of shock in an ill or injured person:

1. Skin: it may appear pale or gray, and it is cool and clammy to the touch.
2. Pulse and breathing: the heart beat is weak and rapid and is accompanied by a shallow, hurried breathing pattern.
3. Blood pressure is reduced, perhaps below measurable values.
4. Eyes: the eyes are lusterless, staring, perhaps with dilated pupils.
5. Alteration of consciousness: the shock victim may be unconscious, but even if still awake he or she is likely to be faint, confused, or weak. Sometimes a person in shock becomes anxious and excited.

Treatment;

Serious injury, especially one that involves considerable blood loss, is likely to be accompanied by shock.

Immediate first aid treatment for shock is essential. Even if a person who has been hurt seems alert and in control, treat him or her for shock.

• Get the Person to Lay down:  Lay the person down, face upward, with the head below the level of the feet. This position will help maintain blood flow to the brain and may relieve symptoms of faintness. Elevating the feet on a chair, cushions, or another available prop is usually the easiest means to establish this position. However, if the person has sustained an injury in which raising the legs will cause him or her pain; leave the person flat on his or her back.
• Keep movement to a minimum.
• Keep the Person Warm and Comfortable
• Loosen tight collars, belts, or constricting clothing. Cover the person with a blanket if the air is cold if the ground is cold; put the blanket beneath the victim. If it is hot outside, position the person in the shade if possible, on top of a blanket or coat or other material. Even the person complains of thirst,
• do not give him or her anything to drink.
• If the Person is vomiting or bleeding from the Mouth Position him on his side. This position will help prevent choking or inhaling (aspirating) the vomitus or blood and make the person more comfortable.
• If an injury has occurred, stop any bleeding, immobilize any fracture or take other appropriate first aid steps.
• Handle potential spinal injuries with special caution .The pain from a fracture that is not immobilized can worsen shock.
• Get emergency Care as Soon as Possible

Shock in each of its forms is potentially life-threatening. Care by medical professionals with appropriate equipment is essential.

Heart Related Shock (Cardiogenic Shock)

Certain cardiac events and disorders can result in a decrease of blood flow. Heart-related shock occurs when the supply of blood to the tissues falls below certain levels due to inadequate pumping strength of the heart. This condition is also called cardiogenic (or cardiac) shock.

Heart attack, heart failure, heart arrhythmias  or cardiac tamponade can result in your heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood to supply the cells of your body with enough oxygen for normal functioning. Shock can result.

The symptoms will resemble those for other kinds of shock. The skin will be pale and cool and clammy. The heartbeat is weak and rapid and is accompanied by a shallow, hurried breathing pattern, and the blood pressure may have fallen below measurable levels.

Emergency Treatment: Seek emergency care. Cardiac shock is often fatal, so initiate emergency medical care immediately. When the emergency medical team arrives, oxygen may be administered along with medication to control chest pain if present.

While waiting for help to arrive, reassure the affected person. Make him or her as comfortable as possible. Treat as for other sorts of shock. If he or she stops breathing, initiate resuscitation.