Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with shock signs, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person who is pale, cold, sweaty, confused, and weak after injury, bleeding, allergy, infection, or illness — possible shock.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Lay them down, keep warm, raise legs if safe.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pale, cold, clammy (sweaty) skin — especially on face and limbs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fast, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Confusion, anxiety, restlessness, or becoming drowsy and hard to wake.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Nausea, vomiting, thirst, or feeling faint and weak.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shock means the body is not getting enough blood flow to vital organs. It can follow severe bleeding, dehydration, heart problems, severe infection, or a serious allergic reaction.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shock can worsen quickly. Without treatment, organs begin to fail.
Check the scene before you approach.
Do not elevate legs if you suspect spinal, hip, or leg fracture.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 — say the person may be in shock.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check for serious bleeding and apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth if found.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Help them lie down unless moving causes more pain or injury.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cover them with a blanket, jacket, or anything available to prevent heat loss.
When and how to get professional help.
Any signs of shock need emergency medical care — shock can become fatal quickly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep them warm, still, and treat visible bleeding. Do not give fluids by mouth unless directed by emergency services.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Someone may be in shock. They are pale, weak, and confused."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Describe what caused it if known — bleeding, accident, allergic reaction, illness.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them what you have already done — pressure on bleeding, lying down, keeping warm.
Useful questions before or while you help.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink — they may vomit or need surgery.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT elevate legs if you suspect a broken back, hip, or leg.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT leave them alone — shock can progress to unconsciousness quickly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shock means the person is scared or upset
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Medical shock is a physical emergency — dangerously low blood flow — not just emotional distress.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Infant cardiac arrest
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An infant under 1 year who is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Child cardiac arrest
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Their heart may have stopped.
Adult cardiac arrest
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An adult who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Their heart may have stopped pumping blood.
Chest pain / heart attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person with sudden, severe chest pain, pressure, or discomfort that may spread to the arm, jaw, or back — possible heart attack.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If no spinal or leg injury is suspected, raise their legs about 30 cm (12 inches) to help blood return to the heart.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Loosen tight clothing around neck and waist.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Monitor breathing. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing — start CPR.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shock is a life-threatening emergency. They need IV fluids, blood, or other hospital treatment.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even if they seem to improve briefly, they still need emergency evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People reassure the person instead of calling for emergency help.