# Shock

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A critical condition brought on by the sudden drop in blood flow through the body. </span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning, severe burns, or other causes. When a person is in shock, his or her organs aren't getting enough blood or oxygen. If untreated, this can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Symptoms:**</span>

- ##### Cool, clammy skin
- ##### Pale or ashen skin
- ##### Bluish tinge to lips or fingernails (or gray in the case of dark complexions)
- ##### Rapid pulse
- ##### Rapid breathing
- ##### Nausea or vomiting
- ##### Enlarged pupils
- ##### Weakness or fatigue
- ##### Dizziness or fainting
- ##### Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**When to Seek Emergency Care:**</span>

##### If you suspect a person is in shock, **call 911 or your local emergency number.** Then immediately take the following steps:

- ##### Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury.
- ##### Keep the person still and don't move him or her unless necessary.
- ##### Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as not breathing, coughing or moving.
- ##### Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
- ##### Don't let the person eat or drink anything.
- ##### If you suspect that the person is having an allergic reaction, and you have access to an epinephrine autoinjector, use it according to its instructions.
- ##### If the person is bleeding, hold pressure over the bleeding area, using a towel or sheet.
- ##### If the person vomits or begins bleeding from the mouth, and no spinal injury is suspected, turn him or her onto a side to prevent choking.