Basic Survival Medicine

LIFESAVING STEPS

PREVENT AND TREAT SHOCK

4-51. Anticipate shock in all injured personnel. Treat all injured persons as follows, regardless of what symptoms appear (Figure 4-5):

• If the victim is conscious, place him on a level surface with the lower extremities elevated 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches).

• If the victim is unconscious, place him on his side or abdomen with his head turned to one side to prevent choking on vomit, blood, or other fluids.

• If you are unsure of the best position, place the victim perfectly flat. Once the victim is in a shock position, do not move him.

• Maintain body heat by insulating the victim from the surroundings and, in some instances, applying external heat.

• If wet, remove all the victim's wet clothing as soon as possible and replace with dry clothing.

• Improvise a shelter to insulate the victim from the weather.

• Use warm liquids or foods, a prewarmed sleeping bag, another person, warmed water in canteens, hot rocks wrapped in clothing, or fires on either side of the victim to provide external warmth.

• If the victim is conscious, slowly administer small doses of a warm salt or sugar solution, if available.

• If the victim is unconscious or has abdominal wounds, do not give fluids by mouth.

• Have the victim rest for at least 24 hours.

• If you are a lone survivor, lie in a depression in the ground, behind a tree, or any other place out of the weather, with your head lower than your feet.

• If you are with a buddy, reassess your patient constantly.

Figure 4-5. Treatment for Shock

Survival index

All text and images from the U.S. Army Field Manual 3-05.70: Survival.
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