Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

4 Circulation and Shock

The circulation of oxygen rich blood to the tissues of the body and the removal of metabolic waste (CO2) is called perfusion. When perfusion stops or is impaired, tissue in different organs of the body begins to die. As perfusion is reduced it begins to impair the processes of the body. This impairment is called shock.

Shock can progress quickly. If the conditions causing shock are not addressed, then the patient can die. Always suspect the possibility of shock and assess for it in every patient. Since inadequate perfusion leads to shock there are

three possible causes of shock. 1. A problem with the heart 2. A problem with blood volume

Shock can occur from many conditions: • Uncontrolled bleeding • Respiratory failure • Severe allergic reaction • Severe infection • Seizures • Heart problems • Poisoning • Drug overdose • Severe burns • Hypoglycemia

3. A problem with blood vessels (size or rupture) Although pain, anxiety, or fear do not cause shock, they cause reactions in the body that may make shock worse. Administer first aid for the illness or injury, reassure and calm the patient, and take steps to minimize or slow shock from developing.

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