Emergencies
Shock (Hypovolaemic / Circulatory)
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
Recognise shock
- Pale, cool, clammy skin
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Nausea, thirst, dizziness, confusion
- Restlessness, anxiety or drowsiness
- Eventually collapse and loss of consciousness
What to do
- Call 000.
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Lie the person down — do not raise the legs (current AFA5 guidance).
- Treat the underlying cause (e.g. control bleeding, manage burns or anaphylaxis).
- Loosen tight clothing.
- Keep them warm with a blanket — do not apply direct heat.
- Give small sips of cool water only if they are fully conscious, able to swallow, and have no abdominal injury.
- If unconscious or having difficulty breathing, place in the recovery position.
- Reassure and stay with the person until help arrives.
Questions & answers
What are the early signs of shock?
Pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid weak pulse; rapid shallow breathing; thirst, nausea and dizziness; restlessness or anxiety.
Should I raise the person's legs?
Current Australian First Aid guidance is to lie the person flat — do not routinely raise the legs. Treat the underlying cause (bleeding, burns, anaphylaxis) and keep them warm.
Can I give them something to drink?
Only small sips of cool water if they are fully conscious, can swallow, and have no abdominal injury. Never give alcohol.
Related topics
Severe External Bleeding
Stop severe bleeding by applying firm, direct, continuous pressure to the wound, lying the person down, and treating for shock while waiting for the ambulance.
Burns and Scalds
Cool any burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove clothing and jewellery from the area unless stuck, and cover loosely with cling wrap or a sterile non-stick dressing.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Lay the person flat, give adrenaline (EpiPen) immediately, call 000, and give a second dose after 5 minutes if there is no improvement.
DRSABCD Action Plan
The DRSABCD action plan is the Australian Resuscitation Council's seven-step primary survey for any emergency: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
AED — Automated External Defibrillator
An AED delivers an electric shock to restart a heart in cardiac arrest. Modern AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — turn it on, attach the pads as shown, and follow the voice prompts.
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