Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
binding splints, and so on. Bandages should be tied just tight enough to hold dressings in place
and stop bleeding, but not so tight that they cut into the flesh or restrict circulation. Tie band-
ages with a square (reef) knot. Check fingertips and toes for numbness or bluish color, which
indicates restricted circulation from bandages that are too tight.
Shock
Be on the lookout for shock in any accident victim. Virtually any serious injury or illness can
lead to shock. When trauma or severe illness threatens the flow of oxygen and blood to the
body's tissues, the body responds with a counterattack, known as shock. When in shock, the
body constricts blood flow to nonessential organs in an effort to conserve blood and sustain
life. Shock can be life threatening, even though the injuries that caused the shock would not
normally cause death.
Symptoms of Shock
• Skin pale or bluish, cold to the touch, and possibly moist or clammy.
• Weakness, dizziness. Victim may be apathetic and unresponsive due to lack of oxy-
gen to the brain.
• Rapid pulse (usually greater than 100), often too weak to be felt at the wrist but per-
ceptible at the carotid artery on the side of the neck where the windpipe joins the
muscle, or at the femoral artery at the groin.
• Restlessness, anxiety, or confusion. Decreased alertness.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Intense thirst.
Trauma specialists talk about the “golden hour” in treating shock victims. If shock is not re-
versed within one hour, the patient may die, no matter what actions are taken.
Treatment for Shock
1. Check the victim's ABCs. Perform CPR or control the bleeding, if necessary.
2. Lay the victim on his or her back in the “shock position”: legs flexed at the hips, knees straight,
feet elevated 12 inches, and head down. This promotes the return of venous blood to the heart
and enhances the flow of arterial blood to the brain.
Warning
: Do not lay the victim in the shock
position if you suspect head, neck, or back injuries, or if the victim is having breathing problems.
3. Give treatment for the underlying illness or injury.
