Treating for Shock

Scenario: After a disaster, friends or family members may be injured and may be starting to go into shock.

Solution:

1. Keep the patient laying down - face up. Open the airway and check their breathing and pulse
2. Treat obvious external bleeding
3. Splint any broken bones or joint injuries
4. Make sure patient is getting adequate ventilation
5. Place blankets under and over the patient;  do not use external heat sources such as heating pads- as they may do further harm to the patient
6. If no fractures are suspected - elevate the legs up to 12 inches
7. Seek professional medical attention

Note: Do not give the patient anything by mouth - to relieve their thirst, give them a moistened piece of gauze to suck on.