Shock (Hypovolaemic Shock)

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough blood and oxygen to the body’s organs. Hypovolaemic shock, caused by significant loss of blood or fluids, is one of the most common forms and requires immediate emergency treatment.

• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weakness, dizziness, or confusion
• Reduced urine output
• In severe cases, loss of consciousness

• Caused by a significant loss of blood volume, such as from major trauma, severe bleeding (including postpartum haemorrhage or gastrointestinal bleeding), or severe fluid loss from conditions like severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or extensive burns.
• The body's compensatory mechanisms initially maintain blood pressure, but these can fail as fluid or blood loss continues, leading to a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.

• Recognised clinically through the combination of signs above, particularly a fast heart rate, low blood pressure, and evidence of poor organ perfusion (such as cold extremities, confusion, or reduced urine output).
• Identifying the underlying cause — bleeding, fluid loss, infection, or another source — is essential to guide urgent treatment.

Shock is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. The priority is restoring circulating volume — giving intravenous fluids rapidly, and blood transfusion if the cause is significant blood loss.

The source of blood or fluid loss is identified and controlled as quickly as possible, such as stopping active bleeding through direct pressure, surgery, or other appropriate measures depending on the cause.

Oxygen is given to support tissue oxygenation while other treatment is arranged.

Close monitoring of vital signs and urine output guides ongoing fluid resuscitation and helps detect deterioration or improvement.

Underlying causes such as infection (in septic shock) are treated in parallel with fluid resuscitation.

• Seek immediate emergency care for major injury, heavy bleeding, or severe fluid loss such as profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, especially with signs of weakness or fainting.
• Ensure prompt treatment of conditions that can lead to shock, such as significant bleeding after childbirth or major trauma.
• For minor bleeding, apply firm direct pressure and seek care if bleeding does not stop or is heavy.
• Ensure adequate rehydration during illnesses causing significant fluid loss, such as severe diarrhoea.