Shock is a serious condition that occurs when your body doesn’t get enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow to your organs means they won’t get enough oxygen, which can cause them to fail. Shock may also lead to a lack of oxygen in your body’s tissues (hypoxia) and can cause your heart to stop, resulting in cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of shock include low blood pressure, as well as:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Cool or clammy skin
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Dizziness and Light-headedness

Treatment for shock:

• No injuries or limb injuries: Lie them down and raise their legs
• Head injury: Keep their head raised
• Chest injury: Sit the person upright in a W position (knees bent)
• Always cover a person who is suffering from shock with a blanket to maintain body heat
• For someone suffering from Emotional shock (e.g., shock from seeing blood): Wait up to 10 minutes before calling 999
• A casualty suffering from shock with injuries: Call 999 immediately