Signs: pale or bluish skin, cold clammy hands, rapid and weak pulse, fast shallow breathing, extreme weakness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness.
Lay the person flat on their back. Raise legs about 12 inches (30cm) unless a leg, spine, or neck injury is suspected. This helps blood flow toward vital organs.
Cover with a blanket or coat. Shock causes rapid heat loss. Keep warm but don't overheat.
Never give food or fluids to someone in shock. They may need emergency surgery.
Check breathing and consciousness every minute. Keep talking calmly — this genuinely helps maintain awareness.
Most allergic reactions are manageable and pass. Knowing these signs means you'll always know exactly what to do next.
Watching a seizure is frightening. But your job right now is simply to keep the person safe — not to stop it. You can do this.
You caught this — that's already the most important thing. Poison Control is available 24 hours and has guided thousands of families through exactly this.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.