Contenido:

SHOCK

It is the consequence of a reduction in the blood flow to vital organs. This can happen due to several causes:

• Important loss of fluids (haemorrhage, diarrhoea, intense vomiting, severe burns…).
• Severe allergic reaction.
• Heart attack.
• Severe infection.
• Intense pain.

SHOCK should be suspected if:

• Previous cause: severe haemorrhage, pain…
• Pallor and cold sweat.
• Weak but fast pulse.
• Irregular respiratory movements.
• Restlessness, anxiety or thirst.
• Mental confusion or unconscious.
• Low blood pressure.

What to DO:

• If the patient is unconscious, follow instructions on Chapter 1.1.
• If conscious, reassure the patient.
• Warm the patient up.
• Lift the legs up about 40 cm. (see picture).
• Treat the cause which originated the shock.
• Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .
  

What NOT TO DO:

• Do not lift the legs up if you suspect a heart attack, head, abdomen or leg injuries.
• Give the patient anything by mouth.

SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION

Suspect a SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION if:

• There is a cause, even if it is not recent (medication, exposure to chemical agents…).
• Redness of skin, itching, burning sensation. A rash or weals may appear.
• Difficult breathing, wheeze.
• Swollen face, eyes, tongue, throat.
• Shock signs (see Anterior section: SHOCK).
• There may be an allergy background.

What to DO:

• If the patient is unconscious, follow instructions on Chapter 1.1.
• Administer an intramuscular injection of methyl-prednisolone (DRAWER 5, First aid kits A, B and C).
• Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .
• If the medical consultation via radio is not possible and asphyxia appears, administer half an ampoule of epinephrine (Adrenalin) (0.5 ml.) (DRAWER 1, First aid kits A and B) subcutaneously (for technique refer to Chapter 6.4, MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION).

What NOT TO DO:

• Give the patient anything by mouth.