Seek emergency medical care

If you suspect a person is in shock, call 911 or your local emergency number. Then immediately take the following steps:

• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury.
• Keep the person still and don't move him or her unless necessary.
• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as not breathing, coughing or moving.
• Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
• Don't let the person eat or drink anything.
• If you suspect that the person is having an allergic reaction, and you have access to an epinephrine autoinjector, use it according to its instructions.
• If the person is bleeding, hold pressure over the bleeding area, using a towel or sheet.
• If the person vomits or begins bleeding from the mouth, and no spinal injury is suspected, turn him or her onto a side to prevent choking.