January 2013Silver Cross EMS

EMD CE

The ProblemDamage to internal soft tissues and organs

can cause life-threatening problems.Internal bleeding results in shock.Shock is a state of collapse of the cardio-

vascular system that results in inadequate delivery of blood and oxygen to the organs. Poor tissue perfusion and oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.

More trauma patients die from shock than from any other condition.

The ComponentsThe Heart (pump)The Blood (fluid)The Vessels (pipes)

Problems with any one of these can cause shock

Parts and Function of the Circulatory System The pump

The heart functions as the body’s pump.The heart consists of four separate chambers.

The two upper chambers on the top of the heart are the atrias.

The two lower chambers on the bottom of the heart are the ventricles.

Blood Flow Through the HeartMemory Aid Abbreviation

VRARVPAPVLALVA

Veins carry blood to the Vena Cava, then goes through the Rt. Atrium. The Rt. Ventricle carries the blood to the lungs through the Pulmonary Artery. The Pulmonary Vein carries blood to the Lt. Atrium. The Lt. Ventricle pumps the blood to the body via the Aorta.

Parts and Function of the Circulatory System

The pipes The arteries carry blood

away from the heart after it’s been oxygenated in the lungs.

The capillaries form a network that distributes blood to all parts of the body and exchanges the oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The veins return the blood from the capillaries to the heart to be re-oxygenated.

Parts and Function of the Circulatory System

The fluidThe liquid part of the

blood is plasma.Red blood cells carry

oxygen and CO2.White blood cells

consume bacteria and viruses to combat infections in the body.

Platelets form clots that help stop bleeding.

Pump FailureCardiogenic shock occurs if the heart cannot

pump enough blood to supply the needs of the body.Pump failure can result from a heart attack.

Inadequate pumping of the heart can cause blood to back up in the vessels of the lungs, resulting in congestive heart failure (CHF).

Pipe Failure Pipe failure is caused by the expansion of the

capillaries to as much as three or four times their normal size.Blood pools in the capillaries.The rest of the body is deprived of blood.Blood pressure falls and shock results.

Shock induced by fainting (psychogenic shock)Fainting is a short-term condition that corrects

itself once the patient is placed in a horizontal position.

Pipe Failure Anaphylactic shock

Caused by an extreme allergic reaction to a foreign substance

The patient appears flushed, breathing may become difficult, and blood pressure drops rapidly.

Death will result if prompt action is not taken.

Pipe Failure Spinal shock

May occur in patients who have sustained a spinal cord injury

The injury allows the capillaries to expand, and blood pools below the level of the injury.

The brain, heart, lungs, and other vital organs are deprived of blood, resulting in shock.

Fluid Loss Fluid loss caused by excessive bleeding

(hemorrhage) is the most common cause of shock.Blood escapes from a wound and the system’s

total fluid level drops.The heart begins to pump faster to maintain

pressure in the pipes.The pump eventually stops pumping, resulting

in cardiac arrest.

Fluid Loss External bleeding is easy to detect.With internal bleeding, the bleeding cannot

be seen, but you may see these signs:BruisingSwellingRigidity in the affected areaSevere pain in the immediate area

Fluid Loss Whether the bleeding is external or internal,

if it remains unchecked, the result will be shock, pump failure, and death.

Fluid loss could be from illness also.

An average adult has about 12 pints (6 L) of blood circulating in the system.The loss of 2 or more pints can lead to shock.

Signs and Symptoms of Shock Shock deprives the body of sufficient blood

to function normally.As shock progresses, the body alters its

functions in an attempt to maintain sufficient blood supply.

Signs and symptoms of shockConfusion, restlessness, or anxietyCold, clammy, sweaty, pale skin

Signs and Symptoms of Shock Signs and symptoms of shock (cont’d)

Rapid breathingRapid, weak pulseIncreased capillary refill timeNausea and vomitingWeakness or faintingThirst

General Treatment for Shock Maintain the patient’s ABCs.Treat the cause of shock, if possible.Maintain the patient’s body temperature.Keep the patient calm.Do not allow the patient to eat or drink.

Eating or drinking may cause vomiting.Patients in shock may need surgery and

should not have anything in their stomachs.

General Treatment for Shock Position the patient correctly.

If the patient has no head injury, extreme discomfort, or difficulty breathing, lay the patient flat on his or her back on a horizontal surface.

Elevate the legs 6" to 12" off the floor.

Treatment for Anaphylactic Shock

Transport as soon as possible.Some patients may carry an epinephrine auto-

injector.The patient should follow their doctor’s

instructions for administration of any medications.

Place patient in a position of comfort and monitor ABC’s.

Treatment for Shock Caused by Fluid LossShock caused by internal blood loss

Bleeding from stomach ulcers, ruptured blood vessels, or tumors can cause internal bleeding and shock.

Patients with internal bleeding may exhibit:Coughing or vomiting of bloodAbdominal tenderness, rigidity, bruising,

distentionRectal bleedingVaginal bleeding in women

Controlling External Blood Loss Capillary bleeding

Most common type of external blood lossThe blood oozes out.Apply direct pressure to the site.

Venous bleedingSecond most common typeThis bleeding has a steady flow.Apply direct pressure for at least 5 minutes.

Controlling External Blood Loss Arterial bleeding

Most serious type of bleedingArterial blood spurts or surges with each

heartbeat.Exert direct pressure and maintain pressure

until EMS arrives.

Controlling External Blood LossDirect pressure

Place a dry, sterile dressing directly on the wound and press with a gloved hand.

Do not remove a dressing after you apply it.

ElevationIf direct pressure does not stop external

bleeding from an extremity, elevate the injured arm or leg as you maintain direct pressure. Do not do this is there’s a suspected fracture.

Controlling External Blood Loss Tourniquets

Indicated only in situations where life threatening extremity bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure or elevation.

If the caller has already applied a tourniquet do not have it removed but never advise the caller to apply one.

SUMMARYIf shock is not treated, the patient

will quickly deteriorate and die. Whatever the cause of shock, the

general treatments are the same.Maintain the patient’s ABC’s to keep

them from declining until they can get more advanced care.

SourcesAAOS Emergency Medical Responder, 5th

Edition

Will County 9-1-1 EMDPRS, 2012 Edition