How to recognize shock
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Low blood pressure is a late sign. Catch shock early from pulse, skin and mental status.
Step by step
Early signs
Fast pulse, anxiety, cool pale skin, slow capillary refill, fast breathing. [1]
Late signs
Low blood pressure, confusion, very little urine. [1]
Type
Bleeding or fluid loss, heart, infection, allergy, spinal injury. [1]
Treat
Control bleeding, lay flat, oxygen, keep warm. [1]
Fluids
IV or IO per protocol and type. [1]
Transport
Rapidly; reassess often. [1]
Common errors
- Waiting for low blood pressure.
- Letting the patient get cold.
- Missing anaphylaxis.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.