Shock is a life-threatening condition, and should not be confused with the flood of adrenaline that accompanies dangerous or fearful situations. This reaction to danger or fear is called the ‘fight-or-flight’ reaction, and is often confused with, and referred to as, ‘shock’. This condition should be treated as top priority, second only to attending to safety, an obstructed airway, absence of breathing, cardiac arrest or severe life threatening bleeding.

Causes of shock
Loss of blood - Shock is most often caused due to loss of blood, which may occur at once or may be delayed. The blood loss could be either seen externally or internally within a particular system or organ. The greater the loss of blood, the greater the chance of developing shock. A slow, steady loss of blood can also produce shock.

Abdominal emergencies - Burst appendix, perforated intestine or stomach, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis.

Loss of body fluids - May be due to extensive burns, dehydration, severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

Heart attack - Failure of the heart to function due to an obstructed blood supply to the heart itself can produce shock.

Sepsis or toxicity - Discharge of toxins produced by bacteria in the blood stream can produce shock.

Spinal injury - Due to the injury and the reaction of the nervous system.

Crush injuries - Injuries following explosions, building collapses etc.