Lesson 8 PREVENT SHOCK

7/29/2019 Lesson 8 PREVENT SHOCK

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Combat Life Saver

Lesson 8

PREVENT SHOCK

Compiled and edited by,2LT John C. Miller, PA-C


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Lesson 8

PREVENT SHOCK

INTRODUCTION

There are several causes of shock. On the battlefield,hypovolemic shock due to loss of blood from wounds

or burns will be the primary type of shock present. If

not properly treated, shock can be fatal. The

procedures used to treat shock are also used to help

prevent shock from occurring.


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PREVENT SHOCK

TASK

Identify the procedures for preventing/controlling

shock.

CONDITIONS

Given multiple-choice examination items pertaining to

shock.

STANDARD

Score 70 or more points on the 100-point written

examination.


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IDENTIFY THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF

SHOCK

Loss of body fluids from severe bleeding, burns,

vomiting, diarrhea, and severe heat illness.

Sweaty but cool (clammy) skin, pale skin color,

and/or blotchy or bluish skin around the mouth.

Nausea.

Anxiety (casualty restless or agitated).

Mental confusion.

Increased breathing rate.

Unusual thirst.


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POSITION THE CASUALTY TO

PREVENT/CONTROL SHOCK

Move the casualty to cover if possible.

Stop heavy bleeding and treat major wounds.

Normal Shock PositionPosition the casualty on his back.

If possible, place a poncho or blanket under the casualty to

protect him from the temperature or dampness of the

ground.


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Elevate the casualty's legs so his feet are slightly

higher than the level of his heart. Place a small log,

field pack, box, rolled field jacket, or other stable

object under the casualty's feet or ankles to maintainthe elevation.

If the casualty has a fractured leg, do not elevate the legs

until the fracture has been splinted.


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Shock Positions for Special Injuries

Certain casualties are not placed in the normal

position for shock. Check for and splint fractured

limbs before moving the casualty.

Suspected fracture of the spine. Do not move a

casualty with a suspected spinal fracture or severe

head wound. Do not elevate his legs.

Open chest wound. Place the casualty in a sitting

position with his back to a wall, tree, or other support

or lying on his injured side.


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Open abdominal wound. Place the casualty on his

back with his knees flexed.

Minor head wound. Place the casualty in a sitting

position with his back to a wall, tree, or other support

or lying on his side with the wound away from the

ground.

Unconsciousness. Position an unconscious casualty

on his side with his head turned so fluids can drainfrom his mouth.


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TAKE ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO


Reassure the Casualty

Keep the casualty calm.

Tell the casualty that you are helping him. Beconfident and have a "take charge" attitude.

Do not make comments regarding the casualty's

condition.

Loosen the Casualty's Clothing

Loosen any binding clothing, including boots, if you

are not in a chemical environment.

Do not loosen or remove clothing in a chemical environment.


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Keep the Casualty From Being Too Warm or Too

Cool

In warm weather, move the casualty to a shade or

erect an improvised shade using a poncho and sticks

or other available materials. Do not cut off air flow.

Fan the casualty with a shirt or other material.

In cool weather, cover the casualty with a blanket,

poncho, or other materials to keep him warm and dry.Place a poncho under the casualty to prevent chilling

due to contact with cold or wet ground.


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Seek Help or Evacuate Casualty

A combat lifesaver should administer intravenous fluids to

help control shock if hypovolemic shock is present. An

intravenous infusion can be started before a fracture issplinted.

Evacuate the casualty if practical.

If you leave the casualty to seek help, tell him you are

going to get help and will return. Turn the casualty'shead so fluids can drain from his mouth.


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PREVENT SHOCK

CLOSING

Hypovolemic shock can be fatal if fluid loss is notcontrolled and fluids are not replaced. Administering

fluids by intravenous infusion is one of the primary

combat lifesaver skills and will be covered in the

medical phase of the course. This lesson is tested

on the written examination.


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Questions

Documents

Lesson 8 PREVENT SHOCK