Shock is a life threatening condition that occurs during serious physiological stress. This is not to be confused with psychological or emotional stress, which is called acute stress reaction. Recognising shock and treating it correctly may save a life.

[edit] Steps

Recognise the causes of shock.
- Severe allergic reaction.
- Electrical shock, as in the body's conduction of volts/amperes.
- Burns.
- Severe trauma.
- Near drowning.
- Poisoning.
- Snakebite.
Assess the situation. If the cause of the victim's injuries is a serious risk, you may have to try to remove the victim to a safer place, or get help before attempting treatment. These are examples of dangerous situations where a shock victim may be encountered.
- Poisonous gas, for instance from leaking chemical tanks in vehicular accidents.
- Building fires.
- Downed power lines.
- General natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, severe weather, or landslides.
Call your local emergency number, if there is any indication that a victim is suffering from, or is likely to go into shock. In the United States, this is 911.
Communicate with the victim if he/she is conscious.
- Seek permission to help with their condition, but do not imply any training or qualification you do not have.
- Look for injuries such as bleeding which you may be able to treat.
Look for indications the victim may be suffering from shock. The victim may be cold, shivering, and vomiting, and their skin may be pale and clammy and their breathing may be very shallow. Some victims may not exhibit any obvious signs of shock, and sometimes the symptoms may not be evident for some time after the trauma or accident they suffer, so treating a serious accident victim for shock may even prevent the onset of the condition.
Lay the victim on their back, and elevate their legs slightly. Do this only if it does not cause further injury.
- Place an insulating barrier between the victim and the ground, if available, to decrease body heat loss. A blanket, jacket, or a large towel will help.
- Wrap the victim in a rescue blanket or cover them with any available covering to keep them warm.
- Place a thin cushion under their neck or head. A rolled up shirt or other item of clothing will work for this.
Watch for vomiting. If the victim vomits, tilt their head to the side and clear their airway.
Keep the victim warm and comfortable until medical help arrives. Treat any injuries that you are able to competently treat, and observe anything which may be helpful to the emergency responders.

[edit] Tips

Don't panic. You'll need as much time and clarity as you can possibly muster to keep the individual alive.
Call for an ambulance as soon as possible.
For a list of emergency numbers in different countries, visit SCCFD.

[edit] Warnings

Never treat an injured person beyond your capabilities, lest you cause more damage than aid. If you do not know the proper treatment, seek trained help.
Treat any serious accident victim for shock if possible.
Do not give food or water to a victim of a serious injury or accident. Offer a moist towel to dampen their lips if needed.