Cool, clammy skin that may appear pale or grayish Profuse sweating or moist skin Bluish lips and fingernails Rapid and weak pulse Rapid and shallow breathing Enlarged or contracted pupils (pupils can enlarge in septic shock, but can constrict in traumatic shock) Low blood pressure Low or no urine output If the person is conscious, he or she will display an altered mental status such as being disoriented, confused, anxious, agitated, dizzy, lightheaded, or feel faint, weak, or fatigued The person may complain of chest pain, nausea, and experience vomiting Losing consciousness follows
You may save the person’s life by ensuring that paramedics are on the way while you initiate treatment. If possible, stay on the line with the emergency services dispatcher to continually provide updates about the person’s condition. Follow the instructions provided by the dispatcher until emergency medical help arrives.
Observe the person’s chest to see if it rises and falls, and place your cheek next to the person’s mouth to check for breath. Continue to monitor the person’s respiration rate at least every 5 minutes, even if they are breathing on their own. [4] X Research source
Only trained people should administer CPR to adults, children, and infants, due to the risk of serious and life-threatening injury. The American Red Cross has recently implemented new protocols for administering CPR. It is important that only people trained in the new methods, and in the use of an AED if available, take charge of administering those procedures.
Position the person on their back and elevate the legs about 12 inches (30 cm). [7] X Research source Do not elevate the head. If raising the legs causes pain, or possible harm, then do not elevate the legs and leave the person lying in a flat position.
For safety reasons, you may need to carefully move the person and yourself out of harm’s way. Examples include being located on a highway at the scene of a car accident or near an unstable structure that may collapse or explode. Do not let the person eat or drink anything. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds and dress the wounds using clean materials if available. Wear gloves if you’re exposed to blood or other body fluids. This can protect you from potentially harmful bloodborne pathogens.
Loosen collars, remove neckties, and unbutton or cut away tight clothing. Loosen shoes and remove any tight or constrictive jewelry if on the person’s wrists or neck. [12] X Research source
Talk to the person calmly. If the person is conscious, talking to them can help you to continue to evaluate their condition. [14] X Research source Continue to provide updates to the dispatcher on the person’s level of consciousness, their respirations, and pulse.
Monitor their level of consciousness every few minutes until the paramedics arrive. [15] X Research source
If spinal injury is suspected and the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, clear the airway if possible without moving their head, back, or neck. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Place your hands on each side of the person’s face and gently lift their jaw and open the mouth with your fingertips to clear the airway. Be careful not to move their head and neck. [18] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you cannot clear their airway, get help to use a log-rolling maneuver to roll them onto their side to prevent choking. [19] X Research source One person should try to keep the head and neck supported and in line with the back as a straight unit, while another person gently rolls the injured person onto their side. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Pale skin, possibly flushed or reddened areas, hives, itching, and swelling at the site of exposure. [21] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Feeling of warmth. [22] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Difficulty swallowing, sensation of having a lump in your throat. [23] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness or discomfort. [24] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Swelling of the tongue and mouth area, nasal congestion, and facial swelling. [25] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Dizziness, light headedness, anxiousness, and slurred speech. [26] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. [27] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Palpitations, and a weak and rapid pulse. [28] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Anaphylaxis can lead to death if it is not treated immediately. Stay on the line with emergency services for further instructions as you administer treatment. Do not delay in seeking emergency medical treatment, even if symptoms appear mild. In some cases, the reaction may be mild at first, then reach a serious and life-threatening level several hours after exposure. The initial reaction involves swelling and itching at the site of exposure. For an insect sting, this will occur on the skin. For a food or drug allergy, the swelling will likely begin in the mouth and throat area, which can quickly interrupt the ability to breathe.
This is a shot that administers a dose of life-saving epinephrine to slow down the reaction, and is frequently carried by people with known food and bee sting allergies. [31] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Do not assume this injection will be enough to completely stop the reaction. Proceed with treatment accordingly, including seeking emergency medical attention. [32] X Research source
Common allergies that can cause life-threatening anaphylactic reactions include bee or wasp stings, insect bites or stings such as fire ants, food items including peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and soy or wheat products. If the person is unable to speak or respond, check for a medical alert necklace, bracelet, or wallet card. [34] X Research source If the cause is from an insect or bee sting, scrape the stinger from the skin using something firm, like a fingernail, key, or credit card. [35] X Research source Do not remove the stinger with tweezers. This will squeeze more venom into the skin. [36] X Research source
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink. [38] X Research source Raise their feet about 12 inches (30 cm) off the ground, and cover the person with something warm such as a coat or blanket. [39] X Research source Loosen any restrictive clothing such as belts, neck ties, buttoned pants, collars or shirts, shoes, and jewelry around the neck or wrist. If an injury is suspected to the head, neck, back, or spine, do not raise their legs, just let the person remain flat on the ground or floor. [40] X Research source
Take precaution to prevent further damage if a spine injury is suspected. Get help to gently log-roll the person onto his or her side by keeping the head, neck, and back in as straight a line as possible. [42] X Research source
Also monitor the person’s level of consciousness every few minutes until the paramedics arrive. [44] X Research source
Only trained people should administer CPR to adults, children, and infants, due to the risk of serious and life-threatening injury. The American Red Cross has recently implemented new protocols for administering CPR. It is important that only people trained in the new methods, and in the use of an AED if available, take charge of administering those procedures. [45] X Research source
The medical professionals will want an update from you on your observations and steps you have taken to treat this medical emergency.
