Treatment for Shock (Adult)
Treatment for Shock (Child)
Note: This is not the result of an 'electrical shock'. Following an electrical shock, the casualty should be treated as in the CPR sequences. An ambulance should ALWAYS be called following an electrical shock, due to cell death caused by the current. The kidneys may be overloaded by the amount of cells to deal with, so the casualty may need dialysis.
After saving somebody from a swimming pool with Life Saving techniques, treatment for Shock should always be administered. When a casualty is in shock, there is a lack of blood flow to the vital organs. A casualty can also enter shock from the sight of an injury / blood etc.
Elevate the legs by asking the casualty to lie down, and supporting the legs with a wall or other object. Previous Life Saving examiners have requested the use of objects (such as wet clothing the lifesaver will discard) as a cushion under the head.
In the absence of an object to support the casualty's legs upon, you should hold the casualty's legs up yourself.
Citation: Handley, A.J. (2006). Life Support: Basic Skills to Save Lives. Broom: Royal Life Saving Society (UK).
