World Sepsis Day (Wednesday 13 September) is a global day to raise awareness of a devastating condition that accounts for 11 million deaths worldwide each year.
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is spreading the word around sepsis to help local residents and healthcare staff know how to spot the signs and symptoms of this life-threatening disease early.
Also known as blood poisoning or septicaemia, sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body tries to fight an infection and the immune system damages tissues and organs.
This can cause causes inflammation, leaks in blood vessels and abnormal blood clotting, all of which can lead to organ damage and death if not caught early enough. However, if the condition is caught early, sepsis can be easily treated.
Over the past year, the NHS in mid and south Essex has been increasing awareness of sepsis across the area. This commitment to better educate people and to boost the expertise of health and care professionals has included special education sessions aimed at those at greatest risk. Clinical leads in mid and south Essex have also developed a short series of brief videos (1-3 mins) available to view, via this Youtube link World Sepsis Day - YouTube.
Tracy Kilbourn, Sepsis Nurse at Southend Hospital (Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust) said:
“Sepsis is a rare but serious overreaction of the body’s immune system to an infection, which can cause damage to the body’s cells and organs. The speed at which it can progress is rapid. If not recognised and treated quickly, sepsis can result in septic shock and death. Sepsis can affect anyone at any time, although certain people are deemed more at risk than others.
Having an understanding of what sepsis may look like can improve your ability to spot it and get help. I would encourage everyone to take just a few minutes to watch these videos to gain an understanding of what sepsis is, what it may look like and what you can do about it. Remember ‘Think Sepsis’ and Just Ask ‘Could it be Sepsis?”