What is the treatment for shock?

• A. Position the casualty on their back; elevate the legs; loosen clothing at neck or waist; climatize; reassure; notify medical personnel
• B. Stand the casualty and apply pressure to wound
• C. Give fluids; move around
• D. Cold compress to head, keep quiet

Answer: (A)

Shock is a condition where the body's circulation can't deliver enough blood to vital organs. The goal in first aid is to improve perfusion and prevent further cooling. Lying the person flat helps blood return to the heart, and elevating the legs (if there’s no injury to the spine or legs) boosts venous return to the core. Loosening tight clothing around the neck or waist makes it easier to breathe and supports circulation. Keeping the person warm helps prevent additional heat loss, and offering reassurance reduces anxiety and steadies breathing. Finally, getting professional medical help quickly is essential.

The other actions don’t address the need to support perfusion and can pose risks: standing and applying pressure to a wound is for bleeding, not shock; giving fluids or moving around can be dangerous in shock unless medical advice is given; a cold compress to the head and keeping quiet don’t address circulation or warmth.