Traumatic shock: causes, stages of development, first aid

Traumatic shock is a critically dangerous condition of the body, arising from severe injuries that lead to insufficient blood supply to the organs and nervous system disorders.

Traumatic shock leads to fractures, gunshot wounds, trauma to the skull and abdomen. The main factors that provoke a shock state are severe pain and significant blood loss.

Under the influence of pain, there is a spasm of blood vessels, a significant part of the blood ceases to participate in the blood circulation, the pressure drops, the work of the heart worsens, oxygen starvation occurs due to poor blood supply, the work of the central nervous system is disrupted. Usually this is aggravated by severe blood loss.

Traumatic shock in its symptoms is similar to internal or external bleeding:

- pale skin, on which marble stains can appear;

- dry mouth ;

- frequent breathing;

Confused consciousness;

- weak frequent pulse.

There are two stages of traumatic shock - excitation and inhibition.

Stage of excitement

Immediately after the injury, the victim tries actively to move, talks a lot, shows fear and anxiety. He does not understand how difficult his condition is, he answers the questions correctly, only sometimes he complains of pain. Blood pressure and pulse are normal, breathing is frequent, skin is pale.

If the injury is serious, then the stage of excitation may not be. In general, the shorter this stage, the heavier and longer the traumatic shock.

The stage of inhibition

When the blood supply becomes completely inadequate, the inhibition of the affected person begins to increase. He lies motionless, does not complain of pain, his eyes wander, he does not answer questions or speaks very quietly. The skin gradually becomes gray and sweaty, the hands and feet become cold. The pulse is very frequent and weak, the pressure is low.

Depending on the pulse and pressure, determine what degree of shock the victim has.

I degree is easy. Consciousness is clear, the pulse is about 90 beats per minute, the pressure is at least 90 mm.

II degree - medium. The reactions are inhibited, the skin is pale. The pulse speeds up to 140 beats per minute, and the pressure drops to 80 mm. This degree requires anti-shock therapy.

III degree - severe. Hands and feet are cold, the victim has a confused or completely absent mind, the pulse is determined only on the largest arteries, his frequency is 180 beats per minute. The outlook for the development of the situation is very unfavorable.

IV degree - terminal. The unconscious person, his lips turn blue, the skin becomes gray. The pressure is not determined, or is below 50 mm. The pulse is barely perceptible on the largest arteries. The outcome is most often lethal.

Traumatic shock - first aid

Before the arrival of a team of doctors, it is possible to conduct a number of procedures on their own to improve the condition of the victim:

- cover a person's coat or blanket to maintain a normal temperature;

- put it on a flat surface, so that the head was at the same level with the body. If there is a suspicion of damage to the spine, then you can not touch the victim;

- The legs need to be raised to improve the blood supply to important organs. This can not be done if the injured person has a head, neck, thigh, or lower leg injury, a suspected heart attack or stroke;

- to ensure free breathing - to unbutton clothes, remove foreign objections.

- external bleeding should be tried to stop;

- calm, talk, do not let the victim actively move;

- Do not give to drink, but only moisten his lips with a damp napkin.

It is very important to inspire the victim with the certainty that everything will be fine. From his psychological comfort and your ability to persuade in many ways depends on the outcome of his condition.