This document provides information on treating shock in children. It defines shock as insufficient oxygen reaching the tissues, which can be caused by trauma or illness reducing blood circulation. Signs of increasing shock severity are listed, from pale skin to loss of consciousness. The main causes of shock in children are serious bleeding, severe burns or scalds. Treatment aims to recognize shock, treat the cause, improve blood flow to vital organs, and remove the child to the hospital urgently. Steps for treatment include laying the child flat with legs raised, loosening tight clothing, covering with a blanket but not applying direct heat, reassuring and monitoring the child, and being prepared to provide rescue breathing if they lose consciousness.

1. Emergency First Aid
for Children
4. Shock

2. Dealing with Shock
• Shock – insufficient oxygen reaching the
tissues
Any trauma or illness that reduces
blood circulation is capable of
causing shock.
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3. Dealing with Shock
Signs & symptoms of circulatory shock
• Pale or grey skin that feels clammy
• Fast, weak pulse
• Profuse sweating
INCREASING
• Fast, shallow breathing
SEVERITY
• Dizziness and faintness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Thirst
• Yawning, sighing and gasping for air
• Restlessness
• Anxiety and/or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
SHOCK KILLS ! BE AWARE OF THESE SIGNS
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4. Dealing with Shock
The most likely cause of shock in a child is
serious bleeding or severe burn or scald –
these injuries must be treated without
delay.
DO NOT give the child anything to drink or
eat. If he is thirsty, moisten his lips with
water.
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5. Dealing with Shock
• TREATMENT
Your aims are:
• To recognise shock
• To treat any obvious cause
• To improve the blood supply to the brain, heart & lungs
• To arrange urgent removal to hospital
WARNING
Do not try to warm the casualty by any other means other than
covering with a blanket – overheating the body will increase
the danger
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6. Dealing with Shock
1. Lay the casualty down flat. Keep their head low as this
improves blood flow to brain. Reassure them. Treat any
injury.
2. Carefully raise the casualty’s legs and support them
(e.g. pillow, chair, pile of books with padded cushion)
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7. Dealing with Shock
TRY NOT TO
LEAVE A CHILD IN
SHOCK
UNATTENDED
3. To make breathing easier, loosen any fastenings or
tight clothing around casualty’s neck, chest or waist.
4. Put a blanket or coat over the casualty to protect
from cold.
REMEMBER – DO NOT APPLY ANY OTHE RDIRECT SOURCE OF HEAT
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8. Dealing with Shock
5. Keep reassuring the casualty. Encourage them
to talk or answer questions – this will help you
assess their condition.
KEEP If casualty looses
MONITORING consciousness, assess
THE PULSE their condition. Be
prepared to
resuscitate. If
breathing, place them
in the recovery
position.
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9. Dealing with Shock
• TREATMENT Warmth
Air
Rest
Mental Rest
Treatment
Help
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10. Emergency First Aid
for Children
End of Section