Aloha, this answer might be on a tangent from Comms' thread starter question but I really wanted to respond to your question with something.
Other than having blankets there is not much you would specifically have in a FAK to treat shock.
Shock is usually a result of circulation problems.
Either heart failure or a serious bleed.
Shock can also be caused by allergic reactions or low blood sugar (diabetic shock)
Shock is actually your body dying from lack of blood sugar and O2
If you had O2 and a way to administer it that might help.
Reduced blood flow means reduced O2 to the brain and body.
If I had the training to administer oxygen I might do that, but I am not trained for giving O2.
Gas cylinders are big and heavy so the chances that I would have one with me are very slim too.
Fainting is a bit like shock but is not really shock because it is self limited and it usually just temporarily affects the brain.
If they are going into shock from blood loss the first thing is to stop the bleed.
If they have already lost a lot of blood you could give them more blood through an IV, if you were trained for that.
I am not trained for anything like that.
I am not about to drag IV supplies around with me all the time either,
even if I had the training.
Fear produces adrenalin.
If the shock is from adrenalin (the fight or flight response) you certainly don't need to be giving them more stimulants like coffee or tobacco.
Brandy is not an answer either because alcohol interferes with the circulatory system too.
I stole this from a random internet page. It seems to be an article published by a vitamin seller.
http://www.vitaminsuk.com/index.php?main_page=articles&topic=firstaidforshockFirst Aid for Shock
Causes of Shock
Recognition of Shock
Treatment of Shock
The circulatory system distributes blood to all parts of the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. If the circulatory system fails, and insufficient oxygen reaches the tissues, the medical condition known as shock occurs. If the condition is not treated quickly, the vital organs can fail, ultimately causing death. Shock is made worse by fear and pain.
Causes of Shock
Shock can develop when the heart pump fails to work properly, causing a reduction in the pressure of the circulating blood. The most common cause of this type of shock is a heart attack.
Shock can develop as a result of a reduction in the volume of fluid circulating around the body. The most common examples of this are external or internal bleeding, or loss of other bodily fluids through severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or burns. The blood supply is diverted from the surface to the core of the body. The main symptoms and signs of shock relate to such redistribution of the circulation.
Recognition of Shock
Initially, a flow of adrenaline causes:
* A rapid pulse.
* Pale, grey skin, especially inside the lips. If pressure is applied to a fingernail or earlobe, it will not regain its colour immediately.
* Sweating, and cold, clammy skin (sweat does not evaporate).
As shock develops, there may be:
* Weakness and giddiness.
* Nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
* Thirst.
* Rapid, shallow breathing.
* A weak, ‘thready’ pulse. When the pulse at the wrist disappears, fluid loss may equal half the blood volume.
As the oxygen supply to the brain weakens:
* The casualty may become restless, anxious and aggressive.
* The casualty may yawn and gasp for air (‘air hunger’).
* The casualty will eventually become unconscious.
* Finally, the heart will stop.
Treatment of Shock
DO NOT let the casualty move unnecessarily, eat, drink, or smoke.
DO NOT leave the casualty unattended. Reassure the casualty constantly.
* Treat any cause of shock which can be remedied (such as external bleeding).
* Lay the casualty down, keeping the head low.
* Raise and support the casualty’s legs (be careful if suspecting a fracture).
* Loosen tight clothing, braces, straps or belts, in order to reduce constriction at the neck, chest and waist.
* Insulate the casualty from cold, both above and below. Contact the emergency service.
* Check and record breathing, pulse and level of response. Be prepared to resuscitate the casualty if necessary.
This other article from
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/shock/article_em.htmtalks about shock and how to treat it in much more depth.
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