Shock is a depressed state of bodily functions, it may result from trauma, severe infection, decrease in the oxygen content of the blood and other causes. Frequently, a combination of two or more causes exists. Shock may accompany other serious injury and must be treated before other injuries, except if the victim has stopped breathing, is bleeding heavily, or has ingested poison.

Shock symptoms may not appear for an hour or so after the injury. For this reason, treatment for shock should be given to all seriously injured people even when the symptoms of shock are not present.

Symptoms of Shock:

• Pale, cold, clammy skin
• Shallow, irregular breathing
• Weak rapid pulse
• General weakness
• Reduced consciousness or unconscious
• Dilation of the pupils
• Nausea and vomiting

Prevention and Treatments for Shock:

• Call the local emergency number right away.
• Check if the victim is breathing, if not begin CPR.
• The victim should remain lying down; loosen the belt and tight clothing. Cover the victims body just enough to keep him from losing body heat. The lying-down position is the most favorable if there is a fracture or possible injury to the internal organs or the head.
• Elevate the head of the victim if he has difficulty in breathing, but don't do this if the victim has neck or back injury.
• Elevate the lower portion of the victim's body to 8-12 inches if he has lost a large amount of blood, but if raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him flat.
• A victim should not be given any liquids if he is unconscious, nauseated, and has a penetrating abdominal wound, or require surgery.
• If medical help will be available within an hour, give the victim liquids only if he complains of thirst. Plain lukewarm water is best. Do not give stimulants drinks such as alcoholic drinks, black tea or coffee.
• If medical help will be delayed, give the shock victim half-glass doses of a salt and soda solution every 15 minutes. This solution is made by dissolving one pinch of baking soda and two pinches of salt in a glass of water. Give the victim a few sips at a time until it is evident that he can tolerate the liquid without feeling ill. Discontinue fluids if the patient becomes nauseous, and try again cautiously a little later. Resume normal fluid intake after two to four hours.