The term “shock” is often misunderstood. It can conjure up images of someone dealing with a traumatic experience being “cured” or comforted with a cup of sugary tea! But shock in medical terms relates to a physiological and potentially life-threatening condition.
To help you understand what type of shock we are talking about, here are some pointers for understanding, recognising & managing shock.
What is Shock?
Shock is the reduction of blood & oxygen to the organs and tissues of the body due to a problem with circulation. If untreated, shock can be fatal.
What causes Shock?
Shock is usually caused by a drop in blood pressure. This reduces the amount of oxygen to your vital organs and tissues.
The drop in blood pressure can be commonly caused by high volume blood loss (hypovolaemic shock), problems with the heart (cardiogenic shock) and severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) among other things
What are the signs & symptoms of shock?
Someone suffering from shock will likely show the following symptoms:
Pale
& clammy
Light-headed/dizzy
Nausea
Irregular
breathing
Confusion/anxiety
Loss
of consciousness
What is the treatment for shock?
If you suspect someone is suffering from shock, you should do the
following:
Call
999 and describe the symptoms to the emergency services
Try
to control/stop any bleeding that may be occurring
Lay
the casualty down and raise their legs – this encourages blood to flow to the
brain
Keep
the casualty warm, comfortable and as calm as possible
Keep
monitoring their breathing until Paramedics arrive.
Conclusion
Shock is always brought on by an underlying problem or
condition. Recognising the symptoms and acting quickly to get further help is
vitally important if you suspect shock.
We provide more in-depth information and training regarding shock on our First Aid for Sport & Exercise (FASE 1) course (link to FASE 1). We also offer further online content at www.lubasonline.com
Here are the Answers to the Ceri Q&A. We would like to thank everyone for taking part. We hope you enjoy the answers and be on the look out for more Q&A'S in the future!
Q: My husband does a lot of running but gets bad shin splints. What’s the best way to treat this?
A: Shin splints is the term used to describe shin pain usually brought on by exercise. It is thought that the pain originates from the tissues around the bone swelling but can also be a sign of a stress fracture.
They usually occur when people weight bare through their legs for an excessive amount of time or for example run on a hard surface with inappropriate footwear.
They are easily treated with rest from the activity for up to 3 weeks, ice to the affected area for 10 minute periods every few hours for the first day or 2 and over the counter pain medication. If symptoms do not resolve, then seek help from your GP as this may indicate small stress fractures in the tibia. They may be prevented if your husband stretches well before exercise and ensures he is wearing the correct footwear.
Q: What are the most valuable skills you learnt while being a nurse?
A: I would have to say that although learning vital lifesaving skills were important it was learning how to communicate with people, especially those in pain or receiving bad news that was most valuable.
Q: How do you apply for work with Lubas?
A: If we require full time staff, we usually advertise the post on our social media. If you want to work with us on an ad hoc basis providing First Aid or medical cover at sporting or filming events then you can email a C.V to info@lubasmedical.com. We will invite you in for an informal interview and then if successful add you to our database.
Q: Hi Ceri, what is the minimum age children can learn CPR?
A: Whilst there is no minimum age set for children to learn CPR, research has shown that children under the age of 11 lack the physical strength to administer quality compressions to adults. However, it is possible to teach children about CPR and defibrillators from a younger age. CPR is now being brought into the high school curriculum which will allow 11-16 to learn CPR. The resuscitation council U.K also runs restart a heart day each year in October to encourage young people to learn CPR. We have taught year 6 students CPR on these days and have been impressed with their willingness to learn the skill.
Q: What do you love most about doing event and film cover?
A: For me it’s covering the construction of the sets, it always amazes me how an empty wooden room becomes a house from the 40’s or a room in a mythical castle. The set builders are truly gifted people.
Q: I’m looking to become a nurse, is there any advice you’d give for someone just starting out?
A: I would recommend nursing as a career to anyone as it is such a diverse job that can take you in many directions. I would advise you to learn from your mentors and never forget the patient should always be your priority.
Q: It’s cool that you have worked in the premier league, do you feel there is more pressure working at that level?
A: Yeah, it was pretty cool, especially as I got to do it with Cardiff City. There is pressure at any level you are working at. In the premier league, you are conscious that there are cameras watching you, but you have support from a medical team. At lower levels, the pressure comes from there being a lack of support. In all situations, I follow the same structured approach to ensure the injured player always receives the correct care.
Q: Hello Ceri, I’m still a medical student but want to get into working pitchside, what courses & qualifications would I need to help me reach this goal?
A: There are a variety of courses we offer to help you reach your goal. Our FASE1 course teaches the basic first aid skills required for working pitchside. Our FASE2 course concentrates on more advanced first aid skills and how to assist a healthcare professional in the pitchside team. Our Sports Trauma Management course is aimed at healthcare professionals who would be team leader pitch side and offers instruction in advanced techniques. It is always a good idea to gain experience too so maybe once you have completed a course you could volunteer to offer assistance at university events.
Online Training - The Future's Bright
Making the most of online medical training
With recent advances in technology, there've been various debates about online vs face-to-face training.
Here's a few points that'll help you get the most out of learning online, & why you don't have to choose between the 2
1. Training in the palm of your hand
The greatest benefit of learning online is quick accessibility on the go.
We all consume huge volumes of (mostly useless!) information through our phones. Medical training via your mobile gives you access to information, updates & skills that improve your knowledge.
You can advance your CPD, remind yourself of a specific skill & test your knowledge right in the palm of your hand.
2. Personalised training
An online learning library offers you the chance to pick & choose the medical training & CPD that suits you. You can home in on the specific areas & levels that fit your needs. This creates a personalised training package just for you.
3. Up Skill
Online training offers you the chance to increase your skills & knowledge very quickly. Certain skills require physical practice & face-to-face learning. But there are elements of theory & video examples/scenarios you can use to refresh your knowledge. You can “up skill” your previous learning to prepare you for your next course.
4. Best of both worlds
We recommend using online medical training to enhance your practical learning (blended learning).
Nothing gets you ready for the real thing like real-life, scenario based practical training. Learning online shouldn’t replace your face-to-face learning. It should give you support before, during and certainly after your practical courses.
See online training as your interactive manual or guide that you can refer to & test yourself with.
You can benefit greatly from using online learning for medical training and first aid. But combining it with practical training will really enhance your skills & confidence.
We’ve recently updated the format to our First Aid for Sport & Exercise 1 course. To find out more about the new format www.lubasmedical.com
