One of the deadly conditions of the human body, requiring immediate action, is traumatic shock. Consider what a traumatic shock is, and what kind of emergency care should be provided in this condition.
Definition and causes of traumatic shock
Traumatic shock is a syndrome, which is a serious pathological condition that threatens life. It occurs as a result of severe injuries of various parts of the body and organs:
- fractures of the pelvic bones;
- craniocerebral trauma;
- heavy gunshot wounds;
- extensive burns ;
- damage to internal organs due to abdominal trauma;
- severe hemorrhage;
- surgical interventions, etc.
Factors predisposing to the development of traumatic shock and aggravating its course are:
- supercooling or overheating;
- intoxication;
- overwork;
- starvation.
The mechanism of development of traumatic shock
The main factors in the development of traumatic shock are:
- massive hemorrhage;
- severe pain syndrome;
- violation of vital organs;
- mental stress caused by trauma.
Rapid and massive blood loss, as well as plasma loss, lead to a sharp reduction in the volume of circulating blood. As a result, blood pressure decreases, the process of oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues is disrupted, tissue hypoxia develops.
As a result, toxic substances accumulate in the tissues, metabolic acidosis develops. The lack of glucose and other nutrients leads to increased disintegration of fat and protein catabolism.
The brain, receiving signals about a lack of blood, stimulates the synthesis of hormones that cause the peripheral vessels to narrow. As a result, blood flows from the limbs, and it becomes sufficient for vital organs. But soon such a compensatory mechanism begins to malfunction.
Degrees (phases) of traumatic shock
There are two phases of traumatic shock, characterized by various symptoms.
Erectile phase
At this stage, the victim is in an agitated and anxious state, experiences severe pain and signals them in all possible ways: by shouting, facial expressions, gestures, etc. At the same time, it can be aggressive, resist attempts at assistance, inspection.
There is a pallor of the skin, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, increased respiration, trembling of the limbs. At this stage, the body is still able to compensate for violations.
Torpid phase
In this phase, the victim becomes listless, apathetic, depressed, drowsiness. Painful sensations do not subside, but he ceases to signal about them. The arterial pressure begins to decrease, and the heart rate increases. The pulse gradually weakens, and then ceases to be determined.
There is marked pallor and dryness of the skin, cyanoticity, symptoms of intoxication become apparent (thirst, nausea, etc.). Reduces the amount of urine, even with a plentiful drink.
Emergency care for traumatic shock
The main stages of first aid in case of traumatic shock are as follows:
- Release from traumatizing agent and temporary stop of bleeding (tourniquet, tight bandage, tamponade).
- Restoration of airway patency (removal of foreign bodies from the upper respiratory tract, etc.), artificial ventilation.
- Anesthesia (Analgin, Novalgin, etc.), immobilization in case of fractures or extensive damage.
- Prevention of hypothermia (wrapping in warm clothes).
- Provide abundant drinking (except for cases of abdominal injuries and loss of consciousness).
- Transportation to the nearest medical institution.