Shock

Photo: Samuli Raappana / Suomen Punainen Risti

Shock refers to a situation where the bloodstream in the tissues is insufficient for securing the flow of oxygen to the cells.

Shock may result from excessive internal or external bleeding, failure of the pumping of the heart, or dehydration caused by burn injuries or severe diarrhoea. An intense allergic reaction may also lead to shock.

Symptoms of shock

The skin is pale and in a cold sweat
The person is first restless, later incoherent
Quickened breathing
The mouth is dry, the person feels thirsty
The pulse is fast and difficult to feel

First aid for shock

Set the person lying down.
Call 112.
Cover the person and insulate them from the ground to avoid loss of heat.
Calm them down.
Issue any other necessary first aid according to the symptoms.
Do not offer anything to eat or drink.
Monitor their breathing and circulation.

Find first aid courses

Call the general emergency number 112 in an emergency.

Follow these instructions when making the emergency call

First aid instructions: resuscitation

First aid instructions: first aid for an unconscious person

First aid instructions: removing a foreign object

First aid instructions: how to stop bleeding

First aid instructions: low blood sugar in a diabetic

First aid instructions: shock (disturbance in the bloodstream)

First aid instructions: severe allergic reaction

First aid instructions: chest pain

First aid instructions: head injuries

First aid instructions: fainting

First aid instructions: burns

First aid instructions: poisoning

First aid instructions: fractures

First aid instructions: seizures

First aid instructions: transient ischaemic attacks

First aid instructions: asthma attack

First aid instructions: psychological first aid

First aid instructions: joint injuries

First aid instructions: wounds

First aid instructions: nosebleed