Medical
Person in shock
Fast, weak pulse, pale, cold, or clammy skin, confusion, intense thirst.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Call 911.
- 2Treat the cause: stop the bleeding first.
- 3Lay them on their back.
- 4No trauma: raise the feet 6–12 in (15–30 cm), if they're comfortable.
- 5Cover them on top and underneath. The floor steals heat.
- 6Reassure them and monitor their breathing and whether they respond.
- 7If they vomit or you can't monitor them: roll them onto their side.
Don't
- Don't give food or drink.
- Don't leave them alone.
- Don't overbundle them if it's hot: remove a layer.
- Don't be complacent: they can die even if the wound seems under control.
Have ready
- Emergency thermal blankets.
- A blanket to put underneath them.
- Tourniquet and gauze to control bleeding.
- Nitrile gloves.
Key factCauses: hemorrhage, large burns, dehydration, severe infection, or anaphylaxis. If they stop breathing normally: CPR and AED.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 7 · First Aid
