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- SECTION V
-
- SHOCK
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-
-
-
- SHOCK IS COMMON WITH MANY INJURIES, REGARDLESS OF
- THEIR SEVERITY. THE FIRST HOUR AFTER AN INJURY IS
- MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT
- SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK APPEAR. IF SHOCK IS NOT TREATED,
- IT CAN PROGRESS TO CAUSE DEATH!
-
-
- SHOCK IS FAILURE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM TO
- KEEP ADEQUATE BLOOD CIRCULATING TO THE VITAL ORGANS
- OF THE BODY, NAMELY THE HEART, LUNGS AND BRAIN.
-
-
- ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.
-
-
- SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE: CONFUSED
- BEHAVIOR, VERY FAST OR VERY SLOW PULSE RATE, VERY
- FAST OR VERY SLOW BREATHING, TREMBLING AND WEAKNESS
- IN THE ARMS OR LEGS, COOL AND MOIST SKIN, PALE OR
- BLUISH SKIN, LIPS AND FINGERNAILS AND ENLARGED
- PUPILS.
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- TREATMENT FOR SHOCK:
-
-
- A GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW IS TO ANTICIPATE THAT SHOCK
- WILL FOLLOW AN INJURY AND TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT
- IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS!
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-
- Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves
- circulation. If the victim is not suspected of
- having head or neck injuries, or leg fractures,
- elevate the legs. If you suspect head or neck
- injuries, keep the victim lying flat. If the victim
- vomits, turn on their side. If victim is
- experiencing trouble breathing, place them in a
- semi-reclining position. Maintain the victim's body
- temperature, but do not overheat.
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- ***