Awareness and First Aid

The word “shock” often describes a strong emotional reaction to upsetting news or a traumatic event. But shock can also be a serious medical emergency that needs urgent care.

What is physical shock?

Physical shock occurs when your body’s cells receive insufficient oxygen and nutrients via your blood to function properly, says Dash Pillay, an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) at ER24 Pietermaritzburg. Physical shock can occur when:

  • Your body loses too much fluid or blood, for example, due to injury or dehydration – known as hypovolaemic shock
  • Your heart can’t pump blood properly because of a heart condition – known as cardiogenic shock.
  • Your blood vessels become too wide, such as during a serious allergic reaction, or when the nervous system can’t control blood vessel width properly, causing blood pressure to drop – known as distributive shock
  • Conditions that block the normal flow of blood through your body – known as obstructive shock.
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Situations that can trigger shock

Physical shock:

  • Serious injuries
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Severe burns
  • Serious illness
  • Severe allergic reactions.

Emotional shock:

Signs someone may be in shock

Common symptoms of physical shock:

  • Pale or clammy skin
  • Excessive sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Feeling faint or loss of consciousness

Reactions to emotional shock:

  • Emotional shock can look different from person to person. Someone may breathe very fast, scream, stare blankly, withdraw, seem distressed or confused, or even collapse.

5 things to do if someone is in physical shock

  1. Call emergency services immediately
  2. Keep the person still and comfortable, preferably lying down on their side to improve blood flow to the brain and protect their airway
  3. Monitor their condition closely
  4. Speak calmly and reassuringly
  5. Stay with them until professional help arrives.

What to avoid doing

Even when people want to help, they can sometimes make things worse. Avoid:

  • Giving the person food or drink
  • Moving them if you don’t need to
  • Leaving them alone.

If you think the person may have a neck, back, or other serious injury, don’t move them unless they’re in immediate danger.

Try to stay calm. If you panic, they may feel more anxious or upset.

If the person’s condition worsens

“If they become unresponsive and aren’t breathing normally, start CPR if trained,” advises Pillay.

If they lose consciousness but are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and continue monitoring them until emergency services arrive.

Dealing with emotional shock

Emotional shock refers to a psychological response to an overwhelming or traumatic event.

While physical shock can be life-threatening, emotional shock is also serious and real. Both require urgent medical care.

For emotional shock, Pillay says the rescuer’s behaviour matters. If you show you’re anxious or upset, the person may feel more distressed. Try to stay calm and speak gently. Reassure them and offer comfort. If it’s safe, move them to a quiet place where they feel secure and comfortable.

If the person is hyperventilating – breathing too fast and shallowly – speak calmly and encourage them to take slow, steady breaths. Hyperventilation can lower the amount of carbon dioxide in the body, which may cause dizziness, tingling, muscle cramps, or confusion.

People used to advise breathing into a paper bag, but experts now recommend calm breathing and reassurance instead – unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.

A person in emotional shock may feel overwhelmed, frightened, confused, or unable to cope. They need time, support, and a safe place to process what has happened. Their response is valid, and they should be allowed to work through their emotions in their own way.

How ER24 paramedics help

When ER24 paramedics arrive, they assess the patient's vital signs, look for the cause of the shock, and start emergency treatment.

This may include giving oxygen therapy and other interventions to help stabilise the patient, improve blood flow, and get adequate oxygen to the body.

Acting quickly can save a life

Shock, whether physical or emotional, should always be treated as a potential medical emergency. “Most important is to call for emergency help quickly and keep the person calm and safe until professionals arrive,” advises Pillay.

If you recognise the signs of shock, stay calm and get professional medical help as soon as you can. Quick action can make a real difference.

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