What is one sign that a casualty might be going into shock?

One sign that a casualty might be going into shock is excessive sweating. When a person is in shock, the body is often under significant stress, leading to responses such as vasoconstriction to redirect blood flow to vital organs. This can result in the activation of sweat glands, causing excessive sweating, also known as diaphoresis. This symptom can occur alongside other signs of shock, such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and altered mental status.

In the context of recognizing shock, it’s important to note that shallow breathing is also a potential indicator, as it may signify the body’s attempt to compensate for reduced oxygen transport due to decreased blood flow. However, the presence of excessive sweating in conjunction with other symptoms can be a more immediate and observable sign of shock in a casualty. While increased blood pressure is typically not associated with shock—in fact, blood pressure often decreases in shock—recognizing the physiological signs and symptoms is crucial for effective assessment and management in treating casualties.