Shock position

The shock position is used usually by a medical worker of First Responder or higher. The shock position is the position of a person who is lying flat on his or her back with the legs elevated approximately 8-12 inches. This is used when a patient is showing signs of shock. The shock position is also used for patients experiencing heat related emergencies. The purpose of the shock position is to elevate the legs above the heart in a manner that will slightly help blood flow to the heart. Hopefully helping more blood become oxygenated and helping some with the hypoxia that causes shock.

Because of vasodilation, placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position, does not work since bloodvessels are highly compliant, and expand as result of the increased volume locally. More suitable would be the use of vasopressors.