254 Abor tion
DANGER! Heavy
bleeding can
cause SHOCK,
which can kill.
Transport
immediately.
rehydration drink, 536
rectal fluids, 537
Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that can result from
heavy bleeding. Bleeding inside the body can also cause shock.
Signs:
• very fast heart rate, more than 100 beats a minute for an adult
• pale, cold, damp skin
• pale inner eyelids, mouth, and palms
• fast breathing, more than 30 breaths a minute
• confusion or unconsciousness (fainting)
Treatment if she is conscious:
• Lay the woman down with her feet higher than her head.
• Cover her with a blanket or clothes.
• If she can drink, give her sips of water or rehydration drink.
• Help her to stay calm.
• If you know how, start a fast intravenous drip (IV) with a wide
needle, or start rectal fluids.
Treatment if she is unconscious:
• Lay her on her side with her head low, tilted back and to one
side, and her feet high.
TRANSPORT!
Make sure her feet are
higher than her head.
• If she seems to be choking, pull her tongue forward with
your finger.
• If she has vomited, clean out her mouth immediately.
Be sure her head is low, tilted back and to one side, so she
does not breathe vomit into her lungs.
• Do not give her anything by mouth until she has been awake
for one hour.
• If you know how, start a fast IV drip with a wide needle.
If you do not, start rectal fluids (see page 541).
Do not wait for a health worker. Take the woman for medical
help or to a hospital right away. She needs medical help fast!
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012