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  • Shock

    Shock is a progressive, life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and organs. As a result, organs and body systems begin to fail. Common causes of shock include severe bleeding and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but shock can develop quickly after any serious injury or illness. A person who is showing signs and symptoms of shock needs immediate medical attention.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Check the scene safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent and put on PPE, as appropriate.

    2

    Check for signs and symptoms.

    • Rapid, weak heartbeat*
    • Rapid breathing*
    • Pale, gray, cool or moist skin*
    • Unresponsive to confused, restless or irritable*
    • Nausea or vomiting*
    • Excessive thirst*

    *Note: Signs and symptoms with a * require immediate emergency medical treatment.

    3

    Call 9-1-1 and get equipment if the person requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

    4

    Give Care.

    Giving First Aid Care

    Provide care based on your training:

    • If possible, care for the condition causing the shock (e.g., control and external bleeding)
    • Have the person lie flat on their back and if there is no evidence of trauma or injury, raise the person’s feet about 6 to 12 inches, unless they prefer a different position for their comfort and breathing.
    • If the person is at risk for airway obstruction (e.g., decreased alertness, active vomiting) or cannot be continuously watched, place the person in a recovery position.
    • Maintain the person’s body temperature. If they get cold, cover them with a blanket to prevent loss of body heat. If they are hot, consider removing a layer of clothing.
    • Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, as this increases the person’s risk of vomiting and aspiration (inhalation or foreign matter into the lungs). Aspiration can cause pneumonia.
    • Provide reassurance. Anxiety and pain can intensify the body’s stress and speed up the progression of shock.
    • Continue to monitor the person’s condition and watch for changes in level of consciousness.

    Help Save Lives with an American Red Cross Class

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.

    Information Provided the Scientific Advisory Council (SAC)

    Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council - a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    Download the FREE Red Cross First Aid App

    The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for common emergencies in the palm of your hand—from the latest First Aid and CPR techniques to the nearest hospital location. Stay up to date on your lifesaving skills. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETFIRST" to 90999.

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