Types of SHOCK

Shock may be caused by different reasons. The cause will determine the type of shock.

Significant blood loss, heart failure, burns, severe wounds, infection, allergic reactions to food or drugs and dehydration, are some of the reasons why a casualty would experience shock.

Pale skin, thirst, confusion or loss of awareness, faster than normal breathing rate,

nausea and vomiting are common signs and symptoms of shock.

Hemorrhagic shock is caused by the loss of great amounts of blood. The adult male has an average of 5 litters of blood in their body. If 20% of that blood is lost, the body will go into hemorrhagic shock.

The body can bleed out in 60 to 120 seconds depending on the location and how severe the wound is.

Place the casualty’s body on his or her back and elevate the legs to keep the blood in the main organs. Stop the bleeding with direct pressure and use pressure points. The use of Lactated Ringers is recommended in these situations. When a body loses a lot of blood the temperature will drop and might become hypothermic. Cover the body with blankets or whatever is available to maintain body temperature.

The Hypovolemic shock is caused by the loss of fluids and the low electrolyte and sodium levels in the body. Dehydration is the main problem with this type of shock. The use of IV fluids (Sodium Chloride), sport drinks and sodium pills are very useful in these situations.

If the casualty is in a hot environment, move the casualty to a cool area to lower the body temperature and apply cool wet towels around the neck, armpits and groin.

Anaphylactic Shock is caused by an allergic reaction to peanuts, fish, medications or insect bites among others. A person suffering anaphylaxis will have difficulty breathing (dyspnea). The casualty can take a Benadryl pill, or take an Epinephrine shot if available. IV fluids with antihistamines are also given to reduce the swelling and open the airway.

Cardiogenic shock is caused by the inability of the heart to pump enough oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues in your body. A heart attack or drug overdose are two causes of cardiogenic shock. Preventive medicine is the best way to avoid this type of shock. Exercise and a balance diet are the best solution to these problems.

Sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain or pale skin are symptoms of cardiogenic shock.

Blood thinners or vasodilators are medications that can be used to improve the blood flow.

With this type of shock, the best thing to do is to transport the patient to the hospital as soon as possible. The casualty will need to be connected to a ventilator and IV fluids with blood thinner medications will be given to avoid blood clots.

The last type of shock is the septic shock. This one is caused by infection in your body. Dead tissue or necrosis can cause septicemia or blood poisoning.

Antibiotics and IV fluids with blood thinners are also used to treat septic shocks.

When treating the casualty for shock, do not give food or drinks. At this point the sympathetic system is activated and the blood flow will be going mostly to vital organs like the heart, lungs and brain. The digestive system will not absorb food and fluids properly. If the casualty is unconscious turn his or her head to the side just in case vomiting occurs. That way the victim will not choke on the vomit.