Shock

Shock

Any person severely injured may develop shock, and treatment must be started immediately to prevent shock, if possible. This involves:

1. Prevention of hemorrhage by application of pressure.

2. Maintaining body temperature by covering the patient with a blanket but not applying heat.

3. Increasing the flow of blood to vital organs by tilting the body so that the blood tends to flow to the upper portions, raising the foot of the stretcher or bed from twelve to eighteen inches.

4. Except when there is abdominal injury, giving fluids in small amounts and frequently, preferably as hot as can be taken comfortably.

5. Administering artificial respiration as described later, if necessary, to restore breathing.