What can be assessed to check if a casualty is in shock?

Assessing skin color and temperature is crucial in determining if a casualty is in shock. When the body experiences shock, it typically directs blood flow away from the skin and extremities to prioritize essential organs. As a result, a casualty may exhibit pale or cool skin. In some cases, the skin may also feel clammy or sweaty due to the body's stress response.

Monitoring these skin characteristics helps responders evaluate blood circulation and the body’s reaction to critical stress, which are key indicators of shock. Other factors, such as eye color or pupils, while informative in certain medical assessments, do not provide significant insight into being in shock. Similarly, assessing mobility or flexibility and breath length or rhythm may be important in other contexts, but they do not directly indicate shock. Thus, focusing on skin color and temperature is the most effective way to assess for potential shock in a casualty.