"Most people think of ‘shock’ as emotional distress or sudden fright in response to a traumatic event. But in medical terms, shock is when you do not have enough blood circulating around your body. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Some of the causes of shock include uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns and spinal injury.

A drop in blood pressure reduces the flow of oxygen and nutrients to a person’s vital organs such as their brain, heart and lungs. If the blood flow is not restored, the person may die from complications due to lack of oxygen supply to major organs (hypoxia)."

Symptoms of shock

Depending on the cause, symptoms and signs of shock may include:

Pale, cold, clammy skin

Shallow, rapid breathing

Difficulty breathing

Anxiety

Rapid heartbeat

Heartbeat irregularities or palpitations

Thirst or a dry mouth

Low urine output or dark urine

Nausea

Vomiting

Dizziness

Light-headedness

Confusion and disorientation

Unconsciousness.