Shock and fainting
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What should you do if you or someone close to you experiences shock or fainting? Dr Chris Brown explains the dos and don'ts
Both conditions occur when there has been a sudden, marked fall in blood pressure, which reduces the amount of blood and oxygen flowing to the brain. This leads to feelings of faintness, dizziness, and confusion.
Shock may also occur:
After any accident, especially when there has been loss of blood.
After any serious infection which has involved loss of fluids.
After a serious burn.
When a person suffers shock they can:
Go pale.
Become sweaty, cold and clammy.
Feel dizzy.
Have a weak, fast pulse.
Have slow, shallow breathing.
Have low blood pressure.
Seem anxious and restless.
Lose consciousness.
What to do if someone is shocked or feels faint
Lay them down, raising and supporting their legs.
Make sure the subject is comfortable and warm – but not hot.
Do not give drinks, but moisten their lips if necessary.
Lay them on their side if they are unconscious, or if there is any bleeding from the mouth, or if they are vomiting.
Call for an ambulance as they will need to be examined by a doctor.
Comments
Thank You so much. It has really helped me.
:)