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
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
