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StandardFirstAid/Rev2/06062017 - COPYRIGHTS © SINGAPORE FIRST AID TRAINING CENTRE PTE LTD
NOTES:
SHOCK, BLEEDING AND WOUNDS
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The heart is situated between the lungs and behind the sternum. The size of
a person’s heart is about the size of his or her fist.
A typical person has about
4 – 6 litres of blood. The HEART pumps blood full of oxygen and nutrients
into the arteries. Once the oxygen and nutrients has been absorbed into the
body via the capillaries, blood then returns back to the heart via the veins.
This continuous distribution of blood, oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the
body is called circulation. You can assess circulation by checking for pulse.
How blood circulates throughout the body
SHOCK
CAUSES OF SHOCK
•
Hypovolemic Shock:
Volume failure from bleeding, loss of plasma in burns, loss of fluids from
vomitting or diarrhoea.
•
Neurogenic Shock:
Caused by fright or sudden stress
•
Anaphylactic Shock:
Severe allergy which causes blood vessels to dilate.
•
Septic Shock:
Severe infection in blood vessel.
•
Cardiogenic Shock:
Heart failure such as from heart attack.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
•
Rapid and faint pulse (more than 100 beats per minute)
•
Low blood pressure
•
Pale, cold and sweaty skin
•
Feeling fainting, thirsty and even unconscious
TREATMENT
•
Call for ambulance immediately.
•
Lie the victim down and elevate legs above heart level.
•
Do not give anything by mouth.
•
Treat any external bleeding.
•
Administer oxygen if available.
•
If the victim turns unconscious, place in a recovery position.
•
If victim stops breathing, begin CPR.