What to do if someone goes into shock? Let's learn exactly about this first aid to save a life!

We all use the word 'shock' when we are surprised or scared. But in medicine, 'shock' is a much more serious, even life-threatening emergency. Imagine if you were walking down the street and saw someone lying on the ground in an accident, or if someone at home suddenly fell unconscious, what would you do? In such a situation, not panicking and knowing exactly what to do can help save someone's life. Today, let's talk about this condition called 'shock' and the first aid we should give at such a time.

What exactly is this 'shock'?

Simply put, shock is when the cells in our body do not receive the proper amount of oxygen. Just as a car engine stops when it runs out of fuel, when our body's organs are deprived of oxygen, they gradually begin to lose function. If this condition continues, the cells begin to die. This can lead to permanent damage to major organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, and even death.

What are the main types of shock?

Shock can be divided into four main types depending on the cause. Sometimes, the first aid we give may differ slightly depending on this type.

Sometimes a person can have more than one of these types at the same time.

What are the symptoms of shock? How do you recognize it?

If someone is going into a state of 'shock', they may show symptoms like these.

• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and disorientation.
• Fainting.
• Excessive sweating.
• Increased pulse rate and weak pulse (maybe even no pulse at all).
• Skin becomes pale, cold, and clammy.
• Increased breathing rate and shallow breathing (possibly even stopping breathing).
• Fever, chills, and shivering.

If someone is in shock, what are the first things we should do?

Okay, now let's see what we need to do step by step in a situation like this.

1. First ensure your safety and that of the patient.

Before you help, make sure you are both in a safe place. For example, if the accident happened in the middle of a busy road, get both of you to a safe place if possible.

2. Ask for help immediately!

Once it is safe, call 1990. Or have someone nearby call. If no one is available, stabilize the victim as much as possible and only as a last resort, leave the area and call for help.

3. Don't make these mistakes!

• Do not give anything to eat or drink, especially not to put anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
• If there is any suspicion of head, neck, or spine injury, do not move the patient (but only carefully remove them if they are at risk of further injury).
• If you see a broken bone, do not move the part. Try to keep the patient as still as possible.

4. Check the ABC method

If someone is unconscious, we should always first check the ABCs.

• A - Airway: Check to see if his airway (mouth, nose, throat) is open and if there is anything blocked. Lift his chin slightly to make breathing easier.
• B - Breathing: Check to see if he is breathing. Check for chest rise and fall, and if air is coming out of his nose.
• C - Circulation: Check if blood circulation is occurring.

It is essential to check these things in this order, because if the airway is blocked, you cannot breathe, and if you are not breathing, your life can be jeopardized within minutes.

If he's breathing...

If the patient is breathing, pay attention to any potential risks to their circulation. Stopping bleeding is the priority, especially if there is a wound that is bleeding heavily.

• Apply direct pressure to the wound: Place a clean cloth or bandage over the wound and press firmly with your hand. Press firmly, even if it hurts. Continue to apply this pressure until the ambulance arrives.
• Packing: Stuff the wound with gauze or clean cloth. Then apply firm pressure on top. At this point, it's more important to stop the bleeding than to worry about infection.
• Tourniquet (for arm or leg wounds only): This should only be used as a last resort. It can be used to quickly stop heavy bleeding or to provide CPR.

If he's not breathing...

If the patient is not breathing, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) should be started immediately. However, if there is a severe bleeding wound, it should be stopped first before CPR is started.

Continue CPR until an ambulance arrives or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available. Performing CPR is very tiring, so take turns doing it with another person if possible.

Other things you can do to help someone in shock

• Keep the body warm: Cover the patient with a blanket or jacket.
• Elevate your legs about 12 inches: But don't do this if you suspect a head , neck , back, hip, or leg injury . Elevating your legs helps blood flow to vital organs like the brain and chest. Don't elevate your head .
• Treat specific causes: If the person is in shock due to a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), check to see if they have an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) and use it if they have one.
• Recovery Position: If the patient is vomiting, has mucus or blood coming from the mouth, carefully turn them to the side, keeping their back, neck and head straight. Support their head with the arm that is on the floor, extended.

In such a situation, it is very important that you do not panic. Your first responsibility is to check the surroundings to see if they are safe and immediately call for help. These small things you do have a great chance of saving someone's life. Always remember, after giving first aid, you should definitely show the patient to a doctor.

Shock, first aid, emergency, saving a life, CPR, emergency treatment