Hypovolaemic Shock

Hypovolaemic shock occurs when not enough oxygenated blood is circulated around the body.  Some conditions that could cause this are:

• Burns
• Fractures
• Spinal Injuries
• Strokes
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma Attack

Signs of hypovolaemic shock are:

• Ashen coloured skin (grey/blue)
• Clammy and cold skin
• Feeling sick or thirsty
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse

When someone goes into shock, your brain release noradrenaline.  This instantly stops the digestive system from working so if you gave someone food, drink or a cigarette, they would immediately vomit.

So remember, it’s “nil by mouth”!

Treating Hypovolaemic Shock

• Lay the casualty down and slightly raise their legs.¹
• Reassure and keep the casualty warm using coats / blankets
• Treat any injury
• Call for an ambulance

Fainting

Fainting is a sudden temporary loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood pressure.

Normally, the effects will last for a couple of minutes.

Place the casualty in the same recovery position as hypovolaemic shock remembering to check for any injuries (wear gloves).

If the casualty remains unconscious after a few minutes, place them into the safe airway position and call for an ambulance.