First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification Manual: Recognizing & Treating Shock
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Recognizing Types of Bleeding
- 3. Recognizing Severe Bleeding
- 4. Equipment - Dressings & Bandages
- 5. Equipment - Tourniquets & Hemostatic Agents
- 6. Initial Emergency Actions
- 7. Steps to Control Bleeding
- 8. Recognizing & Treating Shock
- 9. Aftercare
- 10. Common Mistakes
- 11. Conclusion
- MyCPR Now™ Glossary
Shock Caused by Severe Bleeding
Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system does not deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and organs. Severe external or internal blood loss can cause hypovolemic shock. A person showing signs of shock requires immediate emergency medical care.
Signs and Symptoms of Shock
Signs and symptoms of shock may include:
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Pale, gray, cool, or moist skin
- Weakness or dizziness
- Confusion, restlessness, or irritability
- Decreased responsiveness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive thirst
Do not wait for every sign or symptom to appear. Call 911 immediately when shock is present or suspected.
First Aid Steps for Shock:
- Ensure scene safety and use PPE when appropriate
- Call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions
- Control life-threatening external bleeding immediately
- Have the person lie flat on their back unless an injury, breathing difficulty, or personal comfort requires another position
- If there is no evidence of trauma or injury, the person’s feet may be raised approximately 6 to 12 inches if doing so does not cause pain or discomfort
- Do not raise the person’s feet when a head, neck, back, pelvic, hip, or leg injury is present or suspected
- Keep the person from becoming cold or overheated. Use a blanket when needed, but do not place one underneath the person if movement could worsen an injury
- Do not give the person anything to eat or drink
- Do not administer medications, nutrients, supplements, or antioxidants to treat shock
- Reassure the person and continuously monitor responsiveness and breathing
- If the person becomes unresponsive but continues breathing normally, protect the airway and follow the 911 dispatcher’s instructions regarding positioning
- Begin CPR and use an AED if the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally
- Continue care until EMS takes over or the scene becomes unsafe