What is Shock and How Do I Recognize It?

Shock is a popular topic that is covered in 1st aid and CPR certification courses. Advanced CPR training teaches us that shock is a condition that the body can go into following blood loss, heatstroke, infections, or a traumatic event. When our bodies go into shock, there is a sudden drop in blood flow and healthy organ function is at risk due to the lack of oxygen and blood flow. Basic first aid online
courses can be taken to learn about the symptoms of shock and what to do if you find someone in shock.

When becoming a first aid trainer, we learn what signs to look for when a person might be in shock. Some of the symptoms of shock include skin that appears to be cold and sweaty. The color of the skin may appear to be pale or grayish in color. A person in shock may be weak yet have a rapid pulse. Someone suffering from shock may have irregular breathing, fatigue, confusion, or dizziness. If you find someone who might be in shock, check for a pulse after calling 911 to determine if CPR is needed. CPR may be done on someone who is in shock. Performing CPR can help make sure that blood flows through the vital organs to sustain life while you wait for emergency medical help to arrive.

If you already have your advanced life support certificate, you know how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants. Using the thirty compressions to two breaths ratio, you can administer CPR on someone in shock who has stopped breathing and has no pulse. It is important to continue performing
CPR once started until the paramedics arrive. The average response time for help to arrive after receiving a 911 phone call is between four and ten minutes in the United States, depending on where you live. This is why CPR is so important to know. If you do not have CPR training or it has been a long time since you have had CPR training, consider taking an online CPR and first aid certification course to get your certification or recertification from the comfort of your own home. You never know when you may need to step in and save a life!

What is Shock?
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