                                        SECTION V
                                          SHOCK

SHOCK IS COMMON WITH MANY INJURIES, REGARDLESS OF THEIR SEVERITY.
THE FIRST HOUR AFTER AN INJURY IS MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS
DURING THIS PERIOD THAT SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK APPEAR. IF SHOCK IS NOT
TREATED, IT CAN PROGRESS TO CAUSE DEATH! 

SHOCK IS FAILURE OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM TO KEEP ADEQUATE
BLOOD CIRCULATING TO THE VITAL ORGANS OF THE BODY, NAMELY THE
HEART, LUNGS AND BRAIN.

ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE: CONFUSED BEHAVIOR, VERY
FAST
OR VERY SLOW PULSE RATE, VERY FAST OR VERY SLOW BREATHING,
TREMBLING AND WEAKNESS IN THE ARMS OR LEGS, COOL AND MOIST SKIN,
PALE OR BLUISH SKIN, LIPS AND FINGERNAILS AND ENLARGED PUPILS.

TREATMENT FOR SHOCK:


A GOOD RULE TO FOLLOW IS TO ANTICIPATE THAT SHOCK WILL FOLLOW AN
INJURY AND TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS!

Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves circulation. If
the victim is not suspected of having head or neck injuries, or leg
fractures, elevate the legs. If you suspect head or neck
injuries, keep the victim lying flat. If the victim vomits, turn on
their side. If victim is experiencing trouble breathing, place them
in a semi-reclining position. Maintain the victim's body
teperature, but do not overheat.


