5 Symptoms of Shock

Shock can happen to anyone who has been involved in an accident or are suffering from heatstroke, illness, infections, or a traumatic event that resulted in blood loss. First aid certification online can help you identify the five symptoms of shock and learn what to do when you find someone that is currently in shock. A first aid course outline includes the following five symptoms of shock:

1. Cold and sweaty skin. The skin may feel cold to the touch as blood flow slows down. When our blood flow slows down, our vital organs do not receive the oxygen levels they need for proper function.

2. Discoloration of skin. The skin can become discolored and may appear pale or grayish in color. The decreased flow of blood throughout the body can alter the appearance of our skin. First aid CPR course materials teach us how to observe the victim to determine what course of action is necessary to help.

3. Weakness or Fatigue. Someone in shock will feel weak or experience extreme fatigue due to the sudden drop in blood flow and blood pressure. Organ function is at a high risk for complete organ failure if help is not administered quickly to someone in shock.

4. Irregular Breathing and a rapid pulse. Irregular breathing is common for individuals who are in shock. This could be from the physical trauma or the sudden drop in blood flow. A rapid pulse may also be present as the body goes into shock.

5. Confusion and Dizziness. Reduced blood flow to vital organs also affects brain health. A person in shock may appear confused or dizzy and may not be able to make important decisions on their own health. If you come upon someone in shock, after calling 911, try to keep that person calm and have them sit down or lay down until help arrives. Continue to monitor the situation until help arrives and perform CPR if the individual stops breathing or no longer has a pulse.

First aid CPR training certification is priceless and a basic life support skill that everyone should have knowledge of. Consider taking first aid training classes or CPR certification courses online in your spare time so that you will know what to do in a medical emergency. No one ever plans to be involved in an accident, but you can take comfort in knowing that you’ll know what to do if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is in need of help.

CPR + First Aid Certification
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