Bushcraft and Survival Skills

PREVENT AND TREAT SHOCK

Anticipate shock in all injured personnel. Treat all injured persons as follows, regardless of what symptoms appear (See Image Below):

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