The term shock is often confused by people as meaning getting a fright. However, in medical terms it is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the circulatory system fails. A casualty suffering from circulatory shock may suffer from permanent organ damage or even death. so, what all conditions can cause shock? Shock is most commonly a result of major blood loss. In an adult the loss of 2 pints or 1.2 litres of blood, one fifth of the normal blood volume, shock will occur. The loss of blood may be from wounds or from bleeding from internal injuries from organs or burst blood vessels. Fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhoea and severe burns can also result in shock. It is also possible for a body with adequate blood volume to enter shock due to the heart failing to pump the blood. This may be a result of heart disease, heart attack or acute heart failure. Other causes include severe infection, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), hypothermia, severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock), drug overdose or a spinal cord inury. How do you recognize the condition? Initially - rapid pulse, pale cold and clamy skin, sweating, As shock develops - Grey-blue skin and lips (cyanosis), weak and dizzy, nausea, thrist rapid shallow reathing, weak pulse.Brain oxygen supply weakens - restlessness and aggressiveness, unconsciousness. This is a very fatal situation and some first aid before the health personal come may go long way in saving the life. Read my short essay on first aid in shock and you may be able to save a life……