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Warning-sign checks

Shock: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Suspected shock always needs emergency help.

    Call your local emergency number immediately if someone has signs such as confusion, collapse, rapid breathing, cold clammy skin, a weak rapid pulse, or severe weakness—especially after an injury, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, or chest symptoms.

    Do not drive a person with suspected shock to hospital if emergency transport is available.

    Their condition may worsen on the way, and paramedics can begin treatment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent reassessment for worsening breathlessness, reduced urination, fever with increasing illness, fainting, new chest pain, or recurrent confusion.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After recovery, arrange routine medical follow-up for ongoing tiredness, reduced mobility, medication concerns, wound problems, or emotional symptoms.

The article also says

While waiting for help:

Keep the person still and warm

Control visible bleeding with firm direct pressure

Use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector if anaphylaxis is suspected

Do not give food or drink

Do not move someone with a possible head, neck, or back injury unless necessary for safety

Begin CPR and use an automated defibrillator if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Shock. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.