Skill of the Week: Treat Someone for Shock

An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.

Shock occurs when the body’s internal organs aren’t getting enough blood flow. A person can go into shock for a variety of reasons including severe bleeding, vomiting, heart attack, spinal injury, or even certain drug overdoses. The symptoms of shock are fairly broad, but usually include weakness, clammy skin, fast heart rate, quick breathing, sweating, and thirst. If untreated, a person in shock may start to feel confused, lose consciousness, or go into cardiac arrest. That’s why it’s important to treat anyone who may be in shock as quickly as possible.

Keep in mind that when shock occurs as the result of an injury, it may not set in immediately. If you suspect someone is going into shock, call 911 as soon as possible and be prepared to initiate CPR if the person becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness. While you wait for emergency services to arrive, use the above tips to get a handle on the situation.

Like this illustrated guide? Then you’re going to love our book The Illustrated Art of Manliness! Pick up a copy on Amazon.