First Aid for Shock (Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Anaphylactic, and Septic Shock)

🚨 Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body’s vital organs do not get enough oxygen and blood flow. Immediate first aid is crucial to prevent organ failure and death.

1. General First Aid Steps for Any Type of Shock

1️⃣ Call 911 Immediately 🚑

All types of shock are medical emergencies. The person needs urgent medical treatment to survive.

2️⃣ Lay the Person Down (If No Spinal Injury)

  • Position them on their back with legs slightly elevated (about 12 inches) to improve circulation.
  • If spinal injury is suspected, keep them flat and still—do not move them.

3️⃣ Keep Them Warm 🏥

  • Cover them with a blanket or clothing to prevent heat loss.
  • Avoid overheating—do not place them near a heat source.

4️⃣ Monitor Breathing and Pulse 🫁

  • If they are unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
  • If they are breathing but confused or weak, keep them calm and reassure them.

5️⃣ DO NOT Give Food or Drink 🚫

  • They may choke or worsen their condition, especially if surgery is needed.

2. Specific First Aid for Different Types of Shock

1️⃣ Hypovolemic Shock (Caused by Severe Blood Loss or Dehydration)

🩸 Cause: Excessive bleeding, burns, severe diarrhea, or dehydration.
⚠️ Signs:
✅ Rapid, weak pulse
✅ Cold, clammy skin
✅ Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness
✅ Pale skin or blue lips/nails

🛑 First Aid for Hypovolemic Shock:
✅ Control bleeding immediately (apply direct pressure, use a tourniquet if necessary).
✅ Lie them down and elevate their legs (unless a spinal injury is suspected).
✅ Keep warm with a blanket.
✅ Do NOT give fluids by mouth—wait for medical professionals.
✅ Monitor for breathing changes until EMS arrives.

2️⃣ Cardiogenic Shock (Caused by Heart Failure or Heart Attack)

❤️ Cause: Heart attack, heart failure, or severe arrhythmias.
⚠️ Signs:
✅ Chest pain or discomfort
✅ Weak, irregular pulse
✅ Shortness of breath
✅ Sweating, nausea, vomiting
✅ Confusion or unconsciousness

🛑 First Aid for Cardiogenic Shock:
✅ Call 911 immediately.
✅ Keep the person calm and semi-sitting (NOT lying flat) to help breathing.
✅ Loosen tight clothing.
✅ Assist with prescribed medication (e.g., nitroglycerin for heart attack).
✅ Be prepared to perform CPR if they stop breathing.

🚨 DO NOT give food, drink, or aspirin unless instructed by a doctor.

3️⃣ Anaphylactic Shock (Severe Allergic Reaction)

🌿 Cause: Allergies to food, insect stings, medication, or latex.
⚠️ Signs:
✅ Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
✅ Difficulty breathing, wheezing
✅ Hives, skin rash, redness
✅ Rapid, weak pulse
✅ Confusion, dizziness, or fainting

🛑 First Aid for Anaphylactic Shock:
✅ Call 911 immediately.
✅ Use an EpiPen (Epinephrine Auto-Injector) if available—inject into the thigh.
✅ Have the person sit upright to breathe better.
✅ If unconscious, lay them flat with legs elevated.
✅ Monitor breathing and be ready to give CPR.

🚨 Anaphylaxis worsens quickly! Even if symptoms improve, the person still needs emergency care.

4️⃣ Septic Shock (Severe Infection in the Bloodstream)

🦠 Cause: Bacterial infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or post-surgery infections.
⚠️ Signs:
✅ High fever (or dangerously low temperature)
✅ Rapid breathing and heart rate
✅ Confusion, disorientation
✅ Cold, clammy skin
✅ Low blood pressure, weak pulse

🛑 First Aid for Septic Shock:
✅ Call 911 immediately—sepsis requires urgent IV antibiotics.
✅ Lay the person flat with legs slightly elevated.
✅ Keep them warm and comfortable.
✅ Monitor for breathing difficulties—be prepared to perform CPR if needed.

🚨 DO NOT give over-the-counter fever medicine—it won’t stop septic shock.

3. What NOT to Do in Shock

🚫 DO NOT let the person eat or drink—they could choke.
🚫 DO NOT move them if a spinal injury is suspected.
🚫 DO NOT delay calling 911—shock is fatal if untreated.
🚫 DO NOT raise their legs too high—this can worsen some shock types.