Shock happens when the body’s organs are not getting enough blood or oxygen. It is a medical emergency. Look for a fast heartbeat, confusion, and skin that is pale, cool, or sweaty.
If you think someone is in shock, call 911, have them lie down, and keep them warm. Your job is to keep them as stable as possible until EMS takes over.
What causes shock?
Shock is not an illness on its own. It is the body’s reaction to something else that has gone seriously wrong. Common causes include:
- Severe bleeding, either bleeding you can see or bleeding inside the body
- A severe allergic reaction
- A serious infection
- Heart problems
That is why shock often shows up alongside another emergency, like a deep cut that will not stop bleeding or a child’s severe reaction to peanuts.
What are the signs of shock?
These are the signs to watch for:
- A fast heartbeat
- Confusion, or seeming “not quite right”
- Light-headedness
- Pale, cool, or sweaty skin
Someone may say they feel fine while their skin turns pale and clammy. Trust what you see.
Can someone go into shock from bleeding you cannot see?
Yes. Internal bleeding can follow a hard blow to the chest or belly, such as a fall, a car crash, or a sports injury on the playground or field. The person may have no open wound at all.
After that kind of blow, watch for:
- Bruising on the chest or belly
- Shortness of breath
- Restlessness
- Coughing or vomiting blood
Internal bleeding needs a hospital. Call 911 right away and treat for shock while you wait.
Why do blood thinners matter?
Many older adults take blood thinners, which raise the risk of internal bleeding. After a fall or hard blow, ask about medicines. A person on blood thinners is one more reason to call 911 rather than wait and see.
What should you do for someone in shock?
- Check the scene and put on gloves. Make sure it is safe to help.
- Call 911 and get an AED. If you cannot call, text 911, which works in every Arizona county.
- Treat the cause if you can. Press hard on any heavy bleeding. Help with an epinephrine auto-injector for a severe allergic reaction.
- Have them lie down and keep still.
- Keep them warm. Cover them with a blanket, a jacket, or whatever is on hand.
- Raise the feet 6 to 12 inches if it does not hurt. A folded coat or a small box works. Skip this step if moving their legs causes pain.
- Use the side position when needed. If they vomit, become less responsive, or you have to leave them, roll them onto their side (the recovery position) so the airway stays clear.
- Be ready for CPR. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, start CPR and use the AED as soon as it arrives.
Stay with them and keep checking their breathing until EMS takes over.
Medical shock is not the same as emotional shock
People often say someone is “in shock” after a scary event, like seeing an accident. They may be shaky, tearful, or quiet. That upset is a normal reaction, and a calm voice and a place to sit usually help.
Medical shock is different. It is a physical problem with blood flow, and it can be life-threatening. The clues are in the body: fast heartbeat, confusion, and pale, cool, or sweaty skin, often after an injury, heavy bleeding, or a severe allergic reaction.
If someone was hurt and seems “shaken up,” do not assume it is just nerves. Check for the signs of medical shock.
This article is general education. It does not replace hands-on CPR and first aid training, where you practice these skills with an instructor.
How LP Health Directions can help
Our classes cover stopping severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, and CPR, all following the 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines.
- CPR and First Aid classes at our Phoenix and Tucson Training Sites
- On-site Group Training for daycares, schools, churches, and workplaces
- First Aid Solutions, including first aid kits and bleeding control kits
- Browse every topic in the First Aid Guide, or book a class today
Sources
- American Heart Association, 2025 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Stop the Bleed
- American Red Cross, Life-Threatening Bleeding
- FARE, How to Administer Epinephrine
- Arizona 9-1-1 Program, Text-to-911
Reviewed September 28, 2026. This article provides general education and does not replace first aid and CPR training, medical advice, or 911 guidance.