Management of shock

Using this systematic approach, problems should be treated in order of identification i.e. an airway problem before a breathing problem before a circulation problem. The exception is in catastrophic haemorrhage as described in the introduction.

The key to management is the identification of haemorrhage from the change in the player’s physiological parameters/vital signs. If the bleeding is external, then direct pressure should be applied with a clean dressing and if possible, with elevation of the bleeding area. If there is more severe or uncontrollable haemorrhage, indirect pressure may be considered and or the use of an arterial tourniquets and/or haemostatic gauze. Tranexamic Acid (TXA) should be considered.

To try to identify internal haemorrhage following trauma, the following five areas should be examined these include; the chest, abdomen, retroperitoneum, pelvis and long bones.

Examination of the thorax is covered in the breathing and chest trauma chapter.