It can be daunting enough to be thrust into a situation where you must administer first aid as best as you can, but one must stay alert to the signs of a very dangerous secondary condition that may develop called shock. Shock is a very dangerous condition that happens when the body cannot maintain enough blood flow. This in turn can harm the organs. It requires immediate medical treatment and can worsen very quickly.

Many different forms of injury or trauma can cause a person to go into shock: extreme blood loss, severe burns, dehydration, or overwhelming fear or pain.

As the body is diverting more blood to attempt to protect the vital organs, several symptoms may show. These symptoms involve marked changes in alertness level such as dizziness, shallow breathing, clammy skin, and a weaker yet rapid pulse.

If you suspect someone is going into shock, call for help immediately, and make every effort to get the person to a hospital as quickly as possible.

The person experiencing shock needs comfort and reassurance. This is best accomplished by having them lie down on a soft surface with the head lowered and the feet raised to help blood flow toward the torso and vital organs. Check to make sure their breathing is unrestricted, especially if they are nauseous or have vomited.

Remember that shock is concerned with blood flow and the resulting heat loss. Any tight or restrictive clothing should be adjusted, but the person should be covered with a blanket to help the body retain heat.

Monitor the heart rate and breathing every few minutes, because the person could be progressively losing consciousness.

If you have the ability to address the underlying source of the shock, treat the person's wounds, burns, or pain.

If the individual loses consciousness, check for breathing and pulse. Administer CPR if there is a loss of breathing or heartbeat.