Shock

Prompt home treatment can save the person's life.

• Call 911 or other emergency services.
• Have the person lie down. If there is an injury to the head, neck, or chest, keep the legs flat. Otherwise, Reference raise the person's legs Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window at least 12 in. (30 cm).
• If the person vomits, roll him or her to one side to let fluids drain from the mouth. If you think the person might have a neck or back injury, gently roll the person's head, neck, shoulders, and body together as a unit (logroll).
• Stop any bleeding (see Reference stopping severe bleeding Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window), and splint any broken bones (see Reference splinting).
• Keep the person warm but not hot. Put a blanket under the person, and cover him or her with a sheet or blanket, depending on the weather. If the person is in a hot place, try to keep the person cool.
• Take the person's pulse in case medical staff on the phone need to know how fast or slow it is. See Reference how to take a pulse Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. Take it again if the person's condition changes.
• Try to keep the person calm.

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