Why is it important? In England every year: 123,000 cases of sepsis 37,000 deaths 70% of cases start in the community If admitted to hospital with sepsis 5x more likely to die than if had heart attack or stroke

How does that compare?

How does sepsis start? Infection Sepsis Septic Shock

Where does the infection start?

What are the features The features most clearly associated with the presence of sepsis and septic shock are: Raised respiratory rate Altered mentation (confusion, slowed processing) Hypotension Notably temperature and tachycardia are not reliable predictors of the severity of infection. When considering the severity of infection clinicians are advised to assess and record vital signs. Using an early warning score in adults may be helpful to aid decision making

Act quickly Think Sepsis Talk Sepsis Treat Sepsis For every hour delay in starting treating the risk of dying increases by 7.6% Think Sepsis Talk Sepsis Treat Sepsis

Think Sepsis Has potential sepsis been identified? Is admission appropriate for the individual? Calculate an early warning score (in adults) Arrange rapid transportation to hospital

Talk Sepsis If blue light ambulance, say ‘potential SEPSIS’ Inform the hospital team Share the early warning score with both the ambulance and hospital teams

Treat Sepsis Treat the sepsis with oxygen if hypoxic If meningococcal disease is suspected give the patient Penicillin (if not allergic)

What may patients say on phone? Severe shortness of breath Extremely cold hands or feet Palpitations or racing heart Slurred speech, “as if drunk” I’ve never felt so bad Shivering uncontrollably THINK SEPSIS

ITS SEPSIS, NOT FLU....HOW TO TELL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69s6ezhwTWQ