Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

4 Circulation and Shock

To relieve thirst, moisten the patient’s lips with a damp cloth, towel, or sponge. If transport is delayed, then small sips of water, given sparingly, may be allowed. Do not give water to a patient with an altered level of consciousness as they may choke. Oxygenation, Perfusion and Bleeding When the human body is injured it relies on oxygentation (breathing), perfusion (the movement of blood and oxygen circulating) and controlling internal and external bleeding. An adult typically carries 5 litres of blood based on lean body weight. Therefore, a child’s blood volume is far less than an adult based on age and weight. Therefore shock can ensue without much warning.

Cyanosis (which is a bluish colour in the late sign of shock) is most easily detected in the mucous membrane of the lips, mouth, and tongue. Other areas include earlobes, fingernails, and the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The more cyanotic a patient is, the worse their condition.

Cyanosis of the fingers

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