Shock

Photo: Samuli Raappana / Suomen Punainen Risti

Shock refers to a situation where the bloodstream in the tissues is insufficient for securing the flow of oxygen to the cells.

Shock may result from excessive internal or external bleeding, failure of the pumping of the heart, or dehydration caused by burn injuries or severe diarrhoea. An intense allergic reaction may also lead to shock.

Symptoms of shock

  • The skin is pale and in a cold sweat
  • The person is first restless, later incoherent
  • Quickened breathing
  • The mouth is dry, the person feels thirsty
  • The pulse is fast and difficult to feel

First aid for shock

  1. Set the person lying down.

  2. Call 112.

  3. Cover the person and insulate them from the ground to avoid loss of heat.

  4. Calm them down.

  5. Issue any other necessary first aid according to the symptoms.

  6. Do not offer anything to eat or drink.

  7. Monitor their breathing and circulation.

Call the general emergency number 112 in an emergency.

Follow these instructions when making the emergency call

First aid instructions: removing a foreign object