In recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to Get Ahead of Sepsis.
“We believe everyone should understand the risks of sepsis, learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of possible sepsis, and know how to act fast if sepsis is suspected. It’s vital to recognize the critical role each person plays in sepsis prevention and recognition,” said Kim Elliott, RN, Sepsis Care Coordinator. “We’re proud to be part of ‘Get Ahead of Sepsis’ and its effort to make sure everyone knows how to recognize and prevent this medical emergency.”
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have—in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else—triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection, including COVID-19, can lead to sepsis.
CDC has educational materials and resources, including fact sheets, brochures, and an educational video about “Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis,” for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
In a public service announcement campaign, “Get Ahead of Sepsis” encourages patients and family members to “know the risks, spot the signs and symptoms, and act fast.” A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
• High heart rate or low blood pressure
• Fever, shivering or feeling very cold
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• Clammy or sweaty skin
CDC is asking healthcare professionals to get ahead of sepsis by knowing sepsis signs and symptoms to identify and treat patients early; acting fast if they suspect sepsis and educating patients about infection prevention.
Some key prevention methods include practicing good hygiene; knowing the signs and symptoms of sepsis and acting fast to get medical care immediately if they have an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse. Patients should ask their healthcare provider, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?” and if they should go to the emergency room for medical assessment. Visit the Get Ahead of Sepsis website for more information: www.cdc.gov/sepsis.
Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease-Specific Care in Sepsis Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. Call 9-1-1 or go to Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room if you suspect sepsis. Visit, www.phbrmc.com/campaigns/923, for more information.
