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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Shock Treatment

Call 911

1. Lay the Person Down, if Possible

  • Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches unless head, neck, or back is injured or you suspect broken hip or leg bones.
  • Do not raise the person's head.
  • Turn the person on side if he or she is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth.

 

2. Begin CPR, if Necessary

If the person is not breathing or breathing seems dangerously weak:

  • Check breathing every 5 minutes until help arrives.

 

4. Treat Obvious Injuries

5. Keep Person Warm and Comfortable

  • Loosen restrictive clothing.
  • Cover with coat or blanket.
  • Keep the person still. Do not move the person unless there is danger.
  • Reassure the person.
  • Do not give anything to eat or drink.

 

6. Follow Up

  • At the hospital, the person will be given oxygen and intravenous liquids.
  • Other treatment will depend on the cause of shock.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on October 02, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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