Survival guides · First Aid & Health

Shock

ACT NOWAfter an injury, bleeding, allergic reaction or infection: pale, cold, clammy, fast weak pulse, confused.

1. Spot the signs

   • Pale, cold or clammy skin. Blue lips or nails.
   • Fast, weak pulse. Fast, shallow breathing.
   • Nausea, weakness, thirst. Confused, anxious or agitated.
   • Can follow even a small injury — keep watching after any trauma.

2. Get help, lay them flat

   • Call 911 if there's service. No service? Send someone for help.
   • No signal at all? Dial 911 anyway — iPhone 14 and newer offer to text 911 by satellite. Get outside, clear view of the sky.
   • Flat on their back. That alone is what's recommended.
   • No head, neck or spine injury? You may raise the legs about 12 inches — a small benefit, and never before getting help coming or stopping bleeding.
   • Don't tip the head down.
   • Vomiting or struggling to breathe? Roll them onto their side.

3. Keep them warm

   • Cover them — and put something underneath them too.
   • Even on a warm day.
   • No direct heat — no hot water bottles or heating pads.

4. Stay with them

   • Nothing to eat or drink.
   • Talk calmly. Watch their breathing.
   • Stops breathing? Start CPR.
   • Shock can worsen fast. Don't leave them.

Sources: American Red Cross First Aid · National Library of Medicine / MedlinePlus

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.