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near death experiences (well, falling..) 25-Nov-2005 At 8:09:33 PM Wytehawk

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On 25/11/2005 nmonteith wrote:
>On 25/11/2005 mockmockmock wrote:
>>the water?? cleaning wounds I hope.
>
>No - Adam was thirtsy!

Neil - I am not a paramedic, but as a professional firefighter I have recieved some 1st aid training. One of the things we are taught is that if someone is looking like they are going into shock (pale, clammy skin, nausea and *thirst*), then one of the *worst* things to do is to give them water.

Shock is a medical condition that can really only be managed by a doctor. When someone who is in shock is given a drink, the blood vessels in the stomach and intestines dilate to allow for better absorption of the liquid. The unfortunate and dangerous result of this for a shock patient is that it increases the volume of the circulatory system and very quickly drops their blood pressure to dangerously low levels.

If someone is in shock and asking for a drink - only allow them to moisten their lips. Don't allow them to eat or drink.

I realise that in your case everything turned out OK but for everybody's future reference, don't give a patient any fluids immediately after any accident. (Sorry if this sounds a bit preachy)