SHOCK

THIS is a life-threatening condition and not to be confused with emotional shock. It happens when a person’s cells don’t receive enough blood and oxygen to function properly, leading to damage of vital organs.

It is usually caused by serious blood loss and can be fatal. Trauma such as a spinal or brain injury can also cause the body to go into shock.

SYMPTOMS

Rapid pulse Grey-blue skin colour and blue tinge to the lips Feeling weak and dizzy Having a sense impending doom Nausea and vomiting Thirst Shallow, rapid breathing Gasping for air Unresponsiveness

WHAT TO DO

Lie the person down and raise their legs to improve blood supply to vital organs. If the person has an injured or fractured leg, do not raise it — only raise the healthy leg.

Cover the victim to keep them warm.

Call 999 or 112 and ask for emergency help.

Try to keep them calm and breathing regularly.

If they become unresponsive administer CPR (see above).