Shock

Note: Shock, which generally occurs to some degree after any injury, can, when severe, cause death. A person who is in shock may look dazed and confused. He may either be pale or flushed, depending on the type of injury. He will probably be breathing irregularly and his breathing may be weak. He may vomit; in severe cases he will lose consciousness. Immediate medical help is needed. Until that help arrives, do the following:

Have the person lie down on his back; keep the head level with the body or slightly elevated. Do not tilt the person so that the head is lower than the body. Loosen tight clothing at the chest and neck. If the skin is pale and cool, cover the person with one or more blankets to provide warmth, but be careful not to overheat the person. If the skin is hot and read, apply bath towls soaked in cool water until the skin returns to normal temperature and then cover the person with a blanket to keep him warm. Never give a person in severe shock anything to eat or drink.