What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.

It occurs when the body’s immune system – which normally helps to protect us and fight infection – goes into overdrive. It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and sometimes death, especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.

Sepsis is indiscriminate: while it primarily affects very young children and older adults, and is also more common in people with underlying health conditions, it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.

Sepsis always starts with an infection, and can be triggered by any infection including chest infections and UTIs. It is not known why some people develop sepsis in response to these common infections whereas others don’t.

Statistics

2,000 children each year develop sepsis

5 people die with sepsis every hour in the UK

40% of people who develop sepsis are estimated to suffer physical, cognitive, and/or psychological after effects

Symptoms

There is no single sign and no single diagnostic test – symptoms can also present differently in adults and children. Everyone has heard of the ‘rash that does not fade’ – Megningococcal Septicaemia is one form of sepis (in this case the cause is the meningococcal bacteria which are rapidly multiplying in the casualty’s blood stream). Signs that might be present include:

What should I do if I think someone has sepsis?

Don’t wait, especially if they seem to be deteriorating. If someone has one or more of the sepsis symptoms, call 999. If you’re concerned about an infection, call 111. Or contact your GP and just ask: ‘Could it be sepsis?’

Are some people at greater risk of getting sepsis?

We still don’t know why some people who get an infection develop sepsis and others don’t. People are more likely to develop sepsis after a viral illness like a cold, or a minor injury. But it can affect anyone, regardless of age or state of health. However, some people are more likely to get sepsis, including those who:

• are very young or very old
• are diabetic
• are on long-term steroids or on drugs to treat cancer or other conditions
• have had an organ transplant and are on anti-rejection drugs
• are malnourished (your body hasn’t had enough food)
• have serious liver disease
• have a serious illness which affects your immune system (the way your body protects itself from infection), such as leukaemia
• have an infection or a complication after an operation
• are pregnant or have just given birth

The UK Sepsis Trust is a charity which provides a wealth of information and also support for survivors, their website is incredibly helpful and they have produced an educational video about Sepsis which can be accessed here.

The NHS website information regarding sepsis is also helpful and this can be accessed here.

Excepting for on the Paediatric First Aid course, where Meningococcal Septicaemia is covered along with Meningitis, Sepsis is not a part of the first aid syllabus for mainstream first aid courses, yet it can become life-threatening very quickly. It stems back to what we teach on all of our courses – deteriorating and/or multiple vital sign changes is a ‘Big Sick’ – get urgent medical help.

Written by Helen Underwood