Skin appearance may be cold and clammy, or pale
and moist.
•
Increased heart and/or breathing rate.
•
Increased thirst.
•
Athlete may be experiencing changes in level of
consciousness or exhibiting inappropriate behavior
(i.e. laughing, trying to move, etc.).
•
Athlete may experience signs/symptoms of shock even
if injury is minor. Treat shock as a serious concern
despite the severity of the injury.
Treatment
•
Lay athlete down and if possible, elevate the legs
above the level of the heart.
•
Control bleeding if necessary. Use proper first
aide and safety precautions and procedures.
•
Minimize pain as much as possible.
•
Control heat loss.
•
Call 9-1-1 if injury warrants and/or symptoms do
not resolve.
•
Respond
calmly.
•
Keep
athlete distracted; do not allow him/her to stare
at injury if possible.
•
Keep
crowds at a distance.
PREVENTION
•
Because the response to injury varies for each individual,
preventing shock may not always be possible. These are,
however, some simple steps which may prevent and/or treat
shock if you begin to see any signs.
•
Respond
calmly.
•
Keep
athlete distracted; do not allow him/her to stare at injury
if possible.
•
Keep
crowds at a distance.
COMMONLY
ASSOCIATED WITH:
All sports; all types of injuries.
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
To come.
It is extremely important to be able to recognize serious
and/or life threatening injuries. These injuries are not always
obvious therefore, we recommend that someone (i.e. a coach or
team parent) become certified in Basic First Aide Procedures.
The American Red Cross offers frequent courses in the procedures.
