How To

First Aid for Shock

Steps to Follow:

1. Assess the patient
2. Call for help
3. Position the patient
4. Treat any injuries
5. Make the patient comfortable
6. Monitor the patient

1. Assess the Patient and follow DRABC.

Monitor the patients lifeline and maintain breathing and circulation. Assess the patient's injuries and prioritise them in order of urgency.

2. Call for medical assistance

3. Position the patient

If the patient is responsive and breathing on their own, have the patient lie down on their back and position their legs above their heart, propped up and supported.

Ensure their head and neck is supported with a pillow or someone's lap and they are comfortable.

4. Treat any injuries

First priority after the patient is responsive and stable is to stop any bleeding and treat any wounds or burns. Immobilise fractures and continually monitor the patients lifeline.

5. Ensure the patient is comfortable

Loosen tight or restrictive clothing and provide adequate shelter from the sun, rain or wind. Maintain their body temperature with a blanket or with a towel soaked in cool water, depending on the conditions.

If the patient is conscious and does not have abdominal pain or any other obvious trauma, provide small amounts of water frequently.

6. Monitor the patient

Check and record the patient's breathing and pulse rate. Provide this information to medical care when it arrives.