On World Sepsis Day 2022, Bridge McFarland LLP’s medical negligence team are raising awareness of this life-threatening condition.
Anyone can develop sepsis. It is unpredictable and develops rapidly. If left untreated, it can be disabling or fatal. Described as a ‘silent killer’, it is the number one cause of death in hospitals and is associated with 1 in 5 deaths globally .
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a person’s whole-body immune response to an infection or injury. Think of it as the immune system overreacting to an infection and beginning to attack the body.
Sepsis can develop from a simple bacterial or viral infection, such as a urinary tract infection or even Covid-19. Starting with what can feel similar to flu-like symptoms (muscle pain, fever), it can worsen and cause slurred speech, confusion, breathlessness and the feeling like you’re going to die.
In severe cases, sepsis can spiral into septic shock which, due to low blood pressure, leaves inadequate blood supply to tissues and organs. The disruption in blood flow can cause organ failure, severe brain damage, loss of limbs or even death. Urgent treatment is required, including intravenous antibiotics, fluid management and organ support in severe cases.
What to do if you suspect sepsis
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Whilst it can be treated, spotting the signs early can save lives.
The UK Sepsis Trust provide the following advice:
• Call 111 or contact your GP if you are worried about an infection.
• Call 999 or visit A&E if someone has one of the sepsis symptoms
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that at least 14,000 lives could be saved with better awareness of the symptoms of sepsis . We echo their initiative, ‘Just Ask – Could it be Sepsis?’.
Surviving sepsis
Whilst you may not be able to identify the signs of sepsis, your doctor should.
Bridge McFarland LLP have helped and continue to help people in relation to medical negligence claims concerning the mismanagement of sepsis.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have a claim in relation to mismanagement of sepsis, contact our medical negligence team for a no obligation enquiry.
Learn more about World Sepsis Day 2022 at https://www.worldsepsisday.org/
https://www.worldsepsisday.org/sepsisfacts
