Simple First Aid Guide to Sepsis

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a condition that is caused by an abnormal response from the body’s immune system when it is responding to an infection. This reaction can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Sepsis is often referred to as ‘septicemia’ (the infection that causes sepsis) or‘ blood poisoning’ .

The body’s response system usually works to fight germs- but sometimes the immune system goes into overdrive and attacks the body’s own organs and other tissues.

What can cause sepsis?

Some of the more known causes of sepsis include:

· A urine infection

· A chest infection

· An infected cut

· An infected bite

· A problem in the abdomen- for example, a hole in the bowel

· A wound

· Cellulitis (Cellulitis is a skin infection)

Signs of sepsis in adults

Using the acronym SEPSIS will assist you in remembering the signs of sepsis.

S-Slurred speech or confusion

E- Extreme muscle pain or shivering

P- Passing no urine in a day.

S- Severe breathlessness

I- It feels like you are going to die or have feelings of impending doom.

S-Skin is mottled or discoloured.

Signs of sepsis in children

If a child has a very low temperature or they have a fever, you must call 111 and ask the operator ‘Could this be sepsis’.

Other signs to look out for:

• Are they very lethargic or difficult to wake up

• Is their breathing very rapid

• Have they had a fit or seizure

• Have they developed a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure

• They feel abnormally cold to touch

• Their skin looks mottled, bluish or pale

Signs of sepsis in an infant?

If the infant has a fever or a very low temperature or they have a fever, you must call 111 and ask the operator ‘Could this be sepsis’.

Other signs to look out for:

• They are not breastfeeding.

• They are vomiting repeatedly.

• They have not passed urine for twelve hours.

Treatment for sepsis

When sepsis is suspected you MUST call 111 or 999 immediately to seek medical advice.

When to call 999 or 111:

Call 111

• Ask ‘Could this be sepsis’!

• You must be persistent and trust your instincts- sepsis may be difficult to spot even for a health care professional.

• Remember TIME is critical.

Call 999 or 112 or take them directly to A&E

• Medical advice is not readily available.

• You have noticed some of the signs and symptoms.

• You believe it could be meningitis.

Simple First Aid Guide to Sepsis

Simple First Aid Guide to Sepsis is one of a series of Simple First Aid Guides to- that have been prepared by Dynamo Training Solutions. Dynamo Training Solutions run first-aid training courses throughout London, Kent, and the South East.