Sepsis is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs and sometimes death in adults and children across the globe. Today is about raising awareness and helping both the public and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs of sepsis early on. 1 in 5 deaths globally are associated with sepsis. It is a global health crisis and affects between 47 – 50 million people a year.
Being practitioners in sepsis we often see sepsis cases arise involving both adult and children. The injuries sustained following a sepsis case can be catastrophic to families both physically and mentally. It is therefore important that people are educated on the early signs and are encouraged to seek prompt medical treatment. Healthcare professionals must be vigilant and well trained to identify and treat sepsis promptly.
What are the early signs to look out for:
CHILDREN
- Breathing fast
- Fit or convulsion
- Mottled, bluish or pale
- Rash that does not fade when you press it
- Lethargic or difficult to wake
- Feels abnormally cold to touch
- Skin mottled or discoloured
ADULTS
- SLURRED SPEECH OR CONFUSION
- EXTREME shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine
- • Severe breathlessness
- It feels like you are going to die
- Skin mottled or discoloured
If you or your child have any of the above symptoms, then you must seek immediate medical treatment. Time is of the essence with sepsis and the earlier you seek medical treatment the better the outcome.
Sadly not all healthcare professionals are vigilant and one of the common causes of sepsis in clinical is misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Sepsis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be similar to other less serious conditions. However, healthcare providers have a duty to recognise the symptoms of sepsis and order the appropriate tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. When healthcare providers fail to do so, patients may suffer severe and permanent harm as a result of delayed treatment.
The Sepsis 6 in the UK
The Sepsis 6 is a rapid response protocol designed to streamline the assessment and management of sepsis. This evidence-based protocol consists of six key interventions that should be initiated within the first hour of sepsis recognition³:
1. Administer oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation.
2. Take blood cultures before administering antibiotics.
3. Administer intravenous antibiotics promptly.
4. Start intravenous fluid resuscitation.
5. Check lactate levels to assess the severity of sepsis.
6. Monitor urine output to gauge kidney function.
These steps are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with sepsis. Implementing the Sepsis 6 protocol ensures timely and effective treatment, which is essential for saving lives.
The consequences of sepsis caused by clinical negligence can be severe and long-lasting. Patients may experience permanent organ damage, amputations, and other complications that can impact their quality of life and ability to work or care for themselves. Additionally, the cost of treating and managing sepsis can be significant, placing a financial burden on patients and their families.
Sepsis doesn’t just happen on one day – there needs to be a commitment to improving healthcare practices and ensuring that every patient receives the timely and effective care they deserve. If you want to know more about raising awareness on world sepsis day and to get involved then you can visit www.sepsistrust.org or www.worldsepsis.org
Ways for you to help raise sepsis awareness
1. Social media posts and profile ribbons #sepsis, #stopsepsis, #savelives.
2. Wear yellow/red
3. Talk with friends and family
If you or a loved one has suffered from sepsis as a result of clinical negligence, it is important to seek legal advice. A qualified medical negligence lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can assist you in pursuing a claim for compensation to cover the costs associated with your injury.