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7 Types of Shock

Emergency doors for medical treatment

Emergency treatment by qualified medical professionals begins once a Good Samaritan calls for help, and the ambulance arrives. The whole medical team has a short window of a few hours to help a victim recover, and survive when a loved one is in one of 7 types of shock.

Shock occurs when the body goes into circulatory failure from damage, and inability to control, or loss from, circulating fluid throughout the body. A dangerous level reached in the reduction of blood flow and delivery of oxygen, to tissues and organs left untreated can lead to collapse, coma, and death.

Tests, blood and lab results and medical alert bracelet or card plus access to their primary doctors’ file on victim is needed to verify the health conditions, and any other underlying health issues before a treatment regimen can begin. Not all victims are so lucky, and do die.

Shock is applied as a ‘catch-all’ phrase since it does not fully define any one set of symptoms. There are seven types of shock and each have differing symptoms but do have a common ‘classic‘ symptom.

7 Types of Shock

Medical research has been able to identify and list the different types of circulatory shock, as follows;

Low volume shock – aka hypovolemic or hemorrhagic shock and occurs when there is low blood flow to skin and muscles from a severe loss of blood, fluid or plasma, and doesn’t fill the circulatory system.

  • Causes – open wounds to the body and internal organs, loss of plasma from burns, fluid loss from gastroenteritis, vomiting
  • Symptoms – dramatic blood pressure drop, weakness, confusion, pallor, sweating as the body tries to compensate
  • Treatment – saline solution and plasma help replace fluids lost, severe blood loss may require a blood transfusion, close any open wounds with sutures, tests such as a CT scan will find any internal bleeding, bleeding in the skull may cause compression of the brain, a hole will need to be drilled to relieve pressure, clamps are used for bleeding from small blood vessels until able to tie them off or use of diathermy, a high frequency electric current.

Neurogenic shock – usually caused by psychological factors and overwhelms the normal bodily functions of the nervous system.

  • Causes – great trauma, pain, fright, war, crime
  • Symptoms – low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, catatonic (blank stare), fainting, increased sweating, anxiety, pale skin, and severe shock will show, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness, slow heart rhythm (bradycardia), weak pulse, bluish hue skin color or discolored lips and fingers aka cyanosis, hypothermia, will shiver and feel cold
  • Treatment – raising the feet above the level of the head is usually enough to relieve this type of shock

Septic shock – due to a bacterial infection since some organisms multiply in the bloodstream and release toxins which reacts with blood vessels.

  • Causes – injury site becomes infected and spreads into the bloodstream.
  • Symptoms – high fever, chills, rapid breathing, headache, low to high levels delirium, possible skin rash, yellowish hue to the skin, warm hands. Large amounts of infection in the blood leads to septic shock.
  • Treatment – several treatment strategies are used such as balanced corticosteroid usage, antiendotoxin treatment, vasoactive agents (levosimendan), hyperbaric oxygen treatment, fibrates, and several antioxidant supplements
storage of blood components for medical emergencies

Allergic shock – aka anaphylactic shock (anaphylaxis) is a severe reaction and high sensitivity to an injected foreign protein that directly affects blood vessels and other body tissues.

  • Causes – insect venom, injection of antibiotic or other medication and/or food.
  • Symptoms – itchy raised rash, swollen (constricted) airways (bronchospasm), abdominal pain, swollen tongue or throat, and diarrhea.
  • Treatment – Epipen uses single epinephrine dose, severe shock requires oxygen therapy; intubation to help with breathing, medications via IV line fed, to ; reduce respiratory swelling, antihistamines, narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure if dangerously low, help block allergic reactions and reduce swelling, low blood pressure

Cardiogenic shock – conditions or events that cause the heart to a decrease in cardiac output (weakened pumping and, or irregular rhythmic action).

  • Causes – heart attack, inflammation aka myocarditis, severe heart failure, or interference to heart electrical rhythm, pulmonary embolism blocking blood flow to the heart, inflammation of abdominal cavity aka peritonitis, some types of poisoning, spinal injury, street drugs.
  • Symptoms – rapid breathing, severe shortness of breath, sudden rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), loss of consciousness, weak pulse, low blood pressure (hypotension), cool moist skin, decreasing alertness, low to no urinating at all
  • Treatment – treatment will focus on reducing damage from lack of oxygen to your heart muscle and other organs, oxygen therapy, IV line will feed fluids and plasma plus medications to reduce ; blood clots, low blood pressure (hypotension), improve pumping function of heart, prevent blood clots and help blood flow, and to prevent formation of blood clots. Surgery may be needed as next step.

Toxic Shock Syndrome, TSS – caused by toxins released by an overgrowth of the bacterium staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Clostridium sordellii within the body.

  • Causes – affects menstruating women, sometimes men. It’s due to infection and overgrowth of staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Clostridium sordellii bacteria on tampons, internal birth control devices, miscarriage, surgical wounds, abortion, or an open wound. It can recur.
  • Symptoms – a sudden high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting or diarrhea, a rash that looks like sunburn and sheds in sheets, particularly on your palms and soles, confusion, muscle aches, redness of eyes, mouth and throat, possible seizures, and headaches
  • Treatment – IV line fed antibiotics, fluids and/or blood transfusion, heart medications for very low blood pressure, dialysis may be required in people if there is kidney failure, supplemental or mechanical oxygen, deep surgical cleaning of an infected wound

Insulin Shock – aka as #Diabetic shock, occurs when the blood sugar levels dip too low and there’s too much insulin.

  • Causes – skip a meal, changing schedule of taking your insulin, changing amount or timing of meals, increasing physical activity, drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
  • Symptoms – anxiety, irritability, headache, extreme hunger, dizziness, physical shaking of extremities, pale skin, excessive sweating, slurred speech, confusion, rapid pulse, coordination issues, seizures, fainting, coma plus additional symptoms of nightmares, calling out while sleeping, aggressive behaviour, sweat-soaked clothing or bedding
  • Treatment – a conscious victim can take a fast-action sugar candy or drink, an unconscious victim may have a Glucogon Injection (similar to Epipen but delivers a sugar), rub sugar on their gums if unconscious, never ‘feed’ an unconscious victim, Paramedics can also give the Glucogon injection, set up IV site, and CPR if necessary. The Hospital will feed sugar intravenously, and victim should wake in 15 minutes. Cardiac arrest can occur and the victim will slip into a coma, organs begin to shut down, once the brain shuts down, death ensues. It’s important to wear a medical bracelet with such health conditions.
time is limited for medical emergencies like shock

Classic Symptoms of Shock

The symptoms for shock will vary and depend on the type of shock that’s been activated. The human body will have it’s own defense mechanisms that automatically respond to the injury. The classic symptoms of shock are as follows;

  • cold, moist, pale skin especially at the extremities
  • lips and fingers will be pale
  • rapid and weak pulse
  • low blood pressure
  • low level of consciousness
  • thirst
  • low urine output (oliguria)

Emergency treatment can begin with First Aid from a Good Samaritan and then continue in the ambulance by #Paramedics to the hospital. They will act quickly to support the body’s own mechanisms to reduce the severity of shock and lessen the effects of the injury.

medical team work together for #recovery

Treatment

A medical Emergency begins with you or somebody trained with basic First Aid skills, for CPR until the Paramedics from the ambulance arrive, and they will begin the management of shock with overall goals to stop blood loss, increase blood flow to tissues and organs, maintain body heat, oxygen therapy for the heart, relieve pain, splinting wounds or positioning.

It is at this point that medical team members will provide comfort and reassurance to the victim, as this helps support the body’s energy focused on it’s own natural defense mechanisms. Nursing interventions include care for mental health of patients. Covering the victim with a blanket helps keep the body’s normal temperature and circulation. Careful observation will ensure heating the victim does not induce sweating, as this is loss of fluids.

The victim is normally laid flat on his back but if blood loss from wounds occurred they will be positioned on their side to prevent choking or breathing vomitus into their lungs. Care will include setting an IV site for either a blood transfusion, saline, or other blood components (such as plasma), and/or medication therapy, to restore the circulating blood volume.

An oxygen nose cannula or mask will be given to prevent possible onset of respiratory collapse, and possibly a narcotic medication for pain management. This will depend on the type of shock, and Physician orders.

When you may need to Call for Emergency Help

People of all walks of life, ages and income ride a bike, take strolls, and drive around various areas of their neighborhood. We don’t always pay attention to those areas that are not regularly used by the public. They may be closed to the public or just a scarey alley for business use but those most marginalized people will know about those areas.

It is these areas where somebody may need medical emergency help. Next time you walk by a staircase that leads to, who knows where other than to maybe a railroad line, take a quick look up the stairs. Somebody could be laying there trying to call for help.

Some people walk on by without thinking about homeless people whether they be adults or youths. Their thoughts are usually that, ‘oh, they know what to do,’ but NO they don’t always know or may not be ABLE to speak to call for help. This is also the same for our Elderly people, they may not know, have poor hearing nor be able to speak either. Just take five minutes, check.

good neighbors will call for Help

Signs of Distress for Help

Signs of medical distress to ones body does create obvious signs and symptoms. We just have to be observant enough to recognize somebody needs medical help. Did you know? deaths of the Homeless people were never counted? Nobody knows the exact numbers of those that passed away, alone.

The following are signs and symptoms that should get immediate calls for help and to call 911;

  • breathing problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath)
  • near drowning
  • deep or large wound
  • poor self-bandaging with non-medical alternative
  • sudden ; pain, dizziness, weakness, change of vision, suspect poisonous substance, abdominal pain or when applying light pressure
  • fresh, continuous bleeding
  • change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty rousing)
  • chest pain
  • choking
  • coughing up or vomiting blood
  • fainting or unconsciousness
  • feeling suicidal or talking about committing murder
  • head or spine injury
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • vehicle accident
  • burns or smoke inhalation

I don’t think any of us would want some sort of medical episode like, a stroke which could cause dizziness, and then we fall and roll into a nearby ditch and unable to move due to paralysis, unable to speak or move, and having to watch people glance then quickly look away, and ignore you, right?

Unseen Homeless need Help too

requesting help from strangers

A report done by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness at their Homeless Hub website, states the following;

Several years ago, an information graphic put together by Scott Sørli contrasted the decline in social assistance rates after the Common Sense Revolution (under Conservative Premier Mike Harris) with the increase in homeless deaths in Toronto.

AUTHOR: Gulliver, Tanya (2014) Homeless Hub

The program has since been changed and annual reports are now provided to government and partner organizations that help the homeless. That infographic is heartbreaking and unimaginably inhuman. Ignoring the high rates of deaths of the homeless is NOT a badge of honor for anybody to wear especially our government nor our community.

Answer the Requests for Help

Let’s be that Good Samaritan should the moment arise, and somebody needs your help. Call 911 and get Emergency medical help, quick! Somebody’s life may depend on you. I hope such an event does not happen but we never know, and at least we can do that one easy task.

Fear of the unknown makes people hesitate and maybe stop outright. If this is a concern of yours or somebody you know there are CPR training courses available. A little research online will show who offers the course, pricing, and all other frequently asked questions (FAQ). They will teach you the basic first aid skills that once learned, you know for life even if you’re required to ‘renew’ your Certification.

Let’s remember that not everybody is born with perfect health, so let’s work together to keep our eyes open to those who are vulnerable. I’m sure God would smile. 🙂

Learning in Motion

Extra Learning Resources

Free Printable Medical ID Wallet Cards

Most Common Health Problems in Elderly People

10 Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Treatments

I hope you found this article informative and gained some new insight. Please feel free to leave your comments and share your new found knowledge with others. Use the ‘Ask A Question’ form to make a request on a topic of your own interest. It is FREE to subscribe to my RSS feed.

AIC| An Informal Cornr, all rights reserved. Ginsense writes articles at AIC|An Informal Cornr about business skills and development, health, science, technology, society and enjoys advocating for independence, security and a better world for all of us. Learn something new 🙂 Visit today!

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No High School so no Future

graduation cap and diploma

Wow, who would say such things that anyone would believe such a cruel statement? It is not the truth but a huge lie. I think the better question to ask should be, ‘where’s their heart at, to say such things vs offering truly helpful advice? Let’s learn about myth of No High School so no Future.

Unfortunately, today’s world is full of cruel and unkind people who do make such statements. There’s lots of people who are educated and just as equally cruel and unkind and, maybe more so. Others will refuse to ‘share’ information to help change your life. In a psychology article, it states that we can all easily fall into this behavior and is ‘an identical underlying cause to acts of murder and war’.

The worst part is when cruel advice falls upon the ears of our Youths. They are young, inexperienced, and still somewhat dependent upon advice of their ‘elders’ and vulnerable to those they greatly admire. Again, psychology has found abusive people will ‘seek’ out jobs that give them ‘authority’ over others. They will ‘pick and choose’ who does and who does not get ‘benefits’ of such knowledge. It’s always good practice to listen but always ensure your personal safety. People’s actions does reveal their true character.

Quest for Education

Well, there is such a thing as ‘second opinions’ and no shame in keep asking people for help. Rather than ask your neighbors, stop and take a peek in the phone book. Look under ‘Schools’ and you will find lists of local schools but also, ‘alternative, adult or continuing education‘ schools.

For my local area and I’m Indigenous, we have our local Friendship Centre that offers GED classes. I can’t speak for other Friendship centres but they may have people who can help direct the way to a School so you can get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). It is available for all Canadians, 18 or over and, upon completion, you do get a diploma, and chance to go to college or university. Masters and PhD’s are available with further University courses.

The opportunity to seriously change your life is available and one can also get their GED in prison. Once you’ve got your diploma, second step is deciding, college or university. They do but not all, will accept GED students into their various classes and there’s so many options to choose next to anywhere around the world. This is where you may enter one dream course but over time, we all change jobs, and careers.

The beauty of some courses, such as mine, Nursing. I can use my credits from that program to enter another ‘health’ field. I can build upon my existing higher education for other job areas that may be health related. Doors are not shut on just one career once you get that higher education.

Payhip platform for selling digital products

Path to a new future – jobs, skills, careers and knowledge

Secondly, maybe you want a future in a Trade skill. There are jobs in technical and trade skills such as ;

  • welders
  • brick masonry
  • heavy equipment operator
  • crane operator
  • carpenter
  • wind turbine technician
  • plumber
  • electrician
  • millwright
  • air craft mechanic
  • and many others

Some trade skills can be learned quickly, and then enter an apprenticeship to earn your ‘papers’. These just certify that you have greater skills in the trade and qualify to earn higher pay. Not all apprenticeships are easy to find either especially for entry-level jobs with decent pay.

Graduate silhouettes

Go online and browse college and university programs. Check the subjects you will learn, the time it will take. Some college courses can be 2-3 years depending on the course. Pay attention to the other types of jobs you can get with that education background. Try to set your future to be open to other job fields. Don’t depend on one job.

Explore job sites online for your planned ‘dream‘ job. Take a look at the pay, job duties, skills required, education requirements, etc. This is to boost your knowledge in building your future.

Today’s world is unpredictable. One may love a particular job field but find their employer is unbearable. Pay attention to employers with high turn-over and always hiring as there’s usually a reason for that to be happening. Nobody wants to find themselves in a ‘toxic‘ work environment.

Entrepreneurship and the Mature Student

Third, you can take a business course, and learn how to start your own business. They are the ones who provide jobs for others. They provide services or products for the public, other businesses, or to the government. Again, do your research. You may find a business that succeeds and will survive for the long term.

Due to this pandemic. Classes have been held online. This may still be ongoing and available, and you may notice options for full or part-time classes. Sometimes, as a student, a part-time job is needed for the extra income. Also, if you fail a class or classes – this isn’t the end. You can re-enroll in those classes to complete your diploma requirements. 🙂

study or work at home options

Fourth, enter college as a mature student. You’ll take a test that basically measures your educational level to check if you are able to finish the program. If you’re unsure of your ability, go online and find free courses that will help build your educational knowledge. Yes, there are FREE courses online too.

College to University and Funding

Fifth, you’re able to use your college credits to transfer to University courses too. There are agreements between college and university institutions that accept transferring credits. All you basically need to start is a copy of your transcripts. Many students and graduates have taken advantage of this option for their higher learning journey. You can too!

A search for funding your education journey can be intimidating too. We hear about school debts, the starving student, rent rates, etc. Don’t let this scare you away. Learn to step up to those ‘unknowns’ and seek for answers. There are government loans, grants, bursaries.

Monies are available once you know where to look. Speak with a college representative to find out what financial aid options are available. Never let fear stop you from building a new future. Only You are the Captain of your own destiny.

Learning in Motion

Reading Resources

Adult learning: General Education Development (GED) certificate

Canadian General Equivalency Diploma (GED)

Confederation College Programs and Courses

Do you still believe there’s no future? It’s not true. It will begin with you and only you. Once the first step of classes and passing the tests, and your Diploma is in hand. You get to plan your future and make your world as wonderful as you. Don’t be shy to look in the mirror and tell yourself, ‘we got this’.

I hope you found this article informative and gained some new insight. Please feel free to Share with others! Use the ‘Ask a Question’ form to make a request on a topic of your own interest. I hope you visit again for more informative articles coming soon. Stay safe!

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How to Take the Stress Out of Sober Travel

travel sober, addiction free, sobriety, travel safe, addiction free, stay sober, an informal cornr, caleb anderson, how to

a Guest post by Caleb Anderson

Travel can be exhilarating, relaxing and rejuvenating. But if you’re in addiction recovery, travel can be scary because you think you may be tempted to fall back into old and dangerous habits. It doesn’t have to be that way. Travel can give you a sense of calm and an awareness of the big world around you. It’s also a great way to help heal your body and mind.

A little advance planning can make your trips easier and less fraught with triggers. Here are a few tips to get you ready for this big step.

Try Sober Travel

There are travel companies that offer sober tours, trips and even cruises. Though you might think you need to avoid the big cities that are party meccas, you can enjoy these places sober, too. Sober tours offer companionship with other people who want to stay clean but still have a great time.

Travel with the right people

Don’t bring your party-animal friends along on a trip. Travel with people who understand your situation and who will refrain from drinking and drugs, if that’s what you need. If you’re comfortable with others drinking around you, but don’t want them to offer it to you, communicate your needs ahead of time. Good friends will honor your recovery.

Look for meetings

If you’re in a 12-step program, you can find meetings almost anywhere. They’re even offered on cruise ships, which are typically loaded with alcohol. Plus, meetings are a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. Keep your sponsor’s phone number handy, and tell him or her in advance of your trip. You might even get some good travel tips.

Manage stress

Travel can often include stressful situations, which could easily trigger a relapse. If you plan ahead, you can ease some of that anxiety. Make lots of plans, lists, and itineraries to keep the guesswork to a minimum. Build extra time into your travel schedule for the unexpected, like a delayed flight. Tell your travel partner that you may need help if you get too stressed, and he or she might need to take the reins and help you relax.

Bring your pet

If you’re planning on being in the great outdoors for a sober adventure, and you have a dog that loves to hike or camp, bring him along! Your dog can help calm you when needed, as well as give you a loving companion to cuddle. Not only will you both be getting some time outdoors, but you’ll get some extra bonding time. Plus, your dog will appreciate the vacay, too!

Continue your self-care routine

Do you meditate every morning? Read a book over coffee? Take regular breaks to clear your head? Keep this up on your trip. Continue eating well and exercising for your health. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you have to give up your goals.

However you do it, just do it. Travel can hugely benefit your state of mind. Just by getting out of your normal routine, you reset your thoughts and experience the world. Travel enhances your creativity, gives you a more “open” personality and relieves stress. Studies have shown that just preparing for a trip can boost your mood. Everybody wants something to look forward to!

As J Henry Hanson put it in Huffington Post, “Waking up clear-headed and knowing where I slept is extremely satisfying to me. Rising with the sun, rather than the moon, enables me to really get to know a place that I am visiting,” she said. “Sober travel allows me to recall sunsets over Volcan Masaya in Nicaragua, Green Turtles laying eggs in Costa Rica, swimming on Starfish Beach in Panama, and participating in a Mayan planting ceremony in Guatemala. The absence of a hangover allows me to savor museum exhibits rather than rush through so I can find my next cocktail.

Extra Reading & Resources

Sober Vacations International 

Addiction.com – Last Minute Vacations for Sober Travelers

Sober Travelers

Read related —->  What’s the Alcohol doing to You?

I hope you found this article informative and gained some new insight. Please feel free to leave your comments and SHARE your new found knowledge with others. Use the ‘Contact’ form to make a request on a topic of your own interest. It is FREE to subscribe by RSS feed.


Caleb Anderson is in recovery from an opiate addiction. He hopes sharing his experiences will help others. He co- created RecoveryHope.org to help people with substance abuse disorders and their families.

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