Perform First Aid to Prevent or Control Shock

Conditions: You see a casualty who is breathing. There is no uncontrolled bleeding. The casualty has one or more of the symptoms of shock. Necessary equipment and materials: a field jacket and blanket or poncho.

Standards: Attempted to prevent a casualty from going into shock by correctly positioning the casualty, loosening binding clothes, calming and reassuring, and providing shade from direct sunlight during hot weather, or covering to prevent body heat loss during cold weather. Did not cause further injury to the casualty.

Performance Steps

1. Position the casualty.

   a. Move the casualty to cover, if cover is available and the situation permits.

   b. Lay the casualty on his back unless a sitting position will allow the casualty to breathe easier.

   c. Elevate the casualty's feet higher than the heart using a stable object so the feet will not fall.

WARNING

If the casualty has a fractured or broken leg, an abdominal wound, or a head wound, do not elevate the casualty's legs

2. Loosen clothing at the neck, waist, or anywhere it is binding.

WARNING

Do not loosen clothing if in a chemical area

3. Prevent the casualty from chilling or overheating.

   a. Cover the casualty to avoid loss of body heat and, in cold weather, place cover under as well as over the casualty.  Use a blanket or clothing, or improvise a cover.

   b. Place the casualty under permanent or improvised shelter in hot weather to shade him from direct sunlight.

WARNING

Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink

4. Calm and reassure the casualty.

   a. Take charge and show self-confidence.

   b. Assure the casualty that he is being taken care of.

WARNING

If you must leave the casualty, turn his head to the side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs

5. Seek medical aid.

Note. Watch the casualty closely for life-threatening conditions, check for other injuries, and seek medical aid.