Heart attacks and shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition
that occurs when the vital organs, such as the brain and heart are
deprived of oxygen due to a problem affecting the circulatory
system. The most common cause of shock is blood loss but can be caused by other fluid loss
such as vomiting or severe burns. Shock
may also be caused when the heart has been damaged in some way,
such as heart attack or angina and is
unable to pump an adequate supply to the body.
The recognition features of shock include:
- Pale, cold, clammy skin (skin could become blue/grey in
appearance in severe shock, lips especially may appear blue)
- Sweating
- Weakness and dizziness
- Feeling sick and possibly vomiting
- Thirst
- Rapid, shallow breathing.
If shock is not treated the casualty will:
- Become restless and aggressive
- Start yawning and gasping for air
- Lose consciousness.
Eventually the heart will stop.