All accident victims of a serious injury should be treated for shock.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not necessary
• D. Depends on age

Answer: (B)

Shock is a life-threatening reaction that can develop quickly after a serious injury, so the safest first-aid approach is to treat for shock in any seriously injured person. Treating for shock means taking steps to support circulation and keep the person stable: lay them flat, keep them warm, and if there’s no possible spinal injury, elevate the legs slightly to help blood flow; control any obvious bleeding, loosen tight clothing, and avoid giving food or drink. Then call for emergency help and monitor breathing and responsiveness.

Because shock can begin even before you see clear signs, these preventive and supportive actions are taken routinely with serious injuries to reduce the risk of organs not getting enough blood flow. Saying it’s not necessary or only needed for certain ages would miss this precautionary, stabilizing approach.