FIELD AIDBuddy aid · 1 h to care
MARCH · C

Shock

Pale, sweaty, confused, weak pulse after injury

1 h to careBuddydelayed

Life threat — do the NOW steps before anything else.

Step 1 of 4 · now

Stop the bleeding first

Shock after trauma is usually blood on the ground. Recheck tourniquets and packs. If you skipped MARCH M, go back.

When this applies · do not
  • Pale, grey, or ashen skin; sweaty; thirsty
  • Confused, anxious, or sleepy after bleeding or burns
  • Weak, fast pulse or you cannot feel a wrist pulse
  • Big burns, belly wound, pelvic pain after blast or crush

Red flags

  • No pulse and not breathing: airway/CPR protocol
  • Belly getting bigger, rigid, or they want to keep knees up: internal bleed — you cannot pack that. Evac.

Do not

  • Do not give a lot of water if they may go to surgery soon, have a belly wound, or are not fully awake.
  • Do not heat them with open flame against the skin.
  • Do not walk a shocky casualty around ‘to stay awake’.

Field aid tool — not a diagnosis, not a medic, not your unit’s official protocol. When a trained medic or doctor is there, follow them.