2.5 Shock
SHOCK is common with many injuries, regardless of their severity. The first hour after an injury is most important because it is during this period that symptoms of shock appear.
IF SHOCK IS NOT TREATED, IT CAN PROGRESS TO CAUSE DEATH!
ANY TYPE OF INJURY CAN CAUSE SHOCK.
Shock is a failure of the cardiovascular system to keep adequate blood circulating to the vital organs of the body, namely the heart, lungs, and brain.
• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK INCLUDE confused behavior, very fast or very slow pulse rate, very fast or very slow breathing, trembling and weakness in the arms or legs, cool and moist skin, pale or bluish skin, lips, and fingernails, and enlarged pupils.
Treatment for Shock
A good rule to follow is to anticipate that shock will follow an injury and to take measures to prevent it before it happens.
• Putting a victim in a lying-down position improves circulation.
• If the victim is not suspected of having head or neck injuries, or leg fractures, elevate the legs.
• If you suspect head or neck injuries, keep the victim lying flat. If the victim vomits, turn on their side.
• If victim is experiencing trouble breathing, place them in a semi-reclining position. Maintain the victim’s body temperature, but do not overheat.
2.6 Burns
The severity of a burn depends upon its size, depth, and location. Burns are most severe when located on the face, neck, hands, feet and genitals. Also, when they are spread over large parts of the body or when they are combined with other injuries.
Burns result in pain, infection, and shock. They are most serious when the victims are very young or very old.
• FIRST-DEGREE burns are the least severe. They are characterized by redness or discoloration, mild swelling, and pain. Overexposure to the sun is a common cause of first-degree burns.
• SECOND-DEGREE burns are more serious. They are deeper than first-degree burns, look red or mottled, and have blisters. They may also involve loss of fluids through the damaged skin. Second-degree burns are usually the most painful because nerve endings are usually intact, despite severe tissue damage.
• THIRD-DEGREE burns are the deepest. They may look white or charred, extend through all skin layers. Victims of third-degree burns may have severe pain — or no pain at all — if the nerve endings are destroyed.
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