Symptoms of Shock:
Weakness, trembling
Restlessness, confusion
Pale or blue-colored lips, skin and/or fingernails
Cool and moist skin
Weak, but fast pulse
Rapid, shallow breathing
Nausea, vomiting
Enlarged pupils
Extreme thirst
Loss of consciousness


(Shock cannot be reversed once it happens, but first aid can help keep it from getting worse.)

Treating Shock:
Lay the person down, face up.
Elevate the feet about one foot. This causes blood to flow from the legs to the head and vital organs in the body.
[Note: Do not raise the feet or lower the head if you suspect the person has a head, neck, back or leg injury. Do not raise feet or move legs if hip or leg bones are broken.]

Keep the victim lying flat.
Loosen tight clothing.

Cover the person with a coat or blanket to prevent heat loss. If necessary, lie down next to and hug the person to share your body heat until help arrives. Place insulation between the person and the ground.
[Note: Do not use hot-water bottles or electric blankets to try to warm a shock victim.]

Monitor the victim for breathing and pulse every so often.
Do not give the victim any food or liquids. If the person asks for water, moisten the lips, but do not allow him or her to drink any fluids.
Make him or her as comfortable as you can.
If the person vomits, roll him or her on their side so the vomit does not back up into the windpipe and/or lungs.

Once shock has been treated and all danger has passed, the person should rest until totally recovered. While in bed, the person should regularly move his or her legs to reduce the risk of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs.

Heat and physical exertion will add to the need for water - substantially.

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