Simple First-Aid Guide to Sepsis
- Simon Francis
- Sep 1, 2023
- 3 min read
This simple first-aid guide to sepsis has been developed by Dynamo Training Solutions. This guide aims to give you an understanding of what sepsis is, signs and conditions and immediate first aid assistance to be given.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. Sepsis happens when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.
It is important to note that you cannot catch sepsis from another person- it is not infectious.
Sepsis is often called septicaemia or blood poisoning.
Who's more likely to get sepsis
Anyone with an infection can get sepsis! But some people are more likely to get an infection that could lead to sepsis, these include:
Babies under 1, particularly if they're born early (premature) or their mother had an infection while pregnant
People over 75
People with diabetes
People with a weakened immune system, such as those having chemotherapy treatment or who recently had an organ transplant
People who have recently had surgery or a serious illness
Women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion
Signs and symptoms of sepsis for a baby or young child
A baby or young child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness, or breathing very fast
A weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
They are not responding like they normally would, or they are not interested in feeding or normal activities
Being sleepier than normal or they are difficult to wake
It is important to note that they may not have all these symptoms.
It is important that if they display any of these symptoms you MUST phone 999/112 or take them to the nearest A&E
Signs and symptoms of sepsis for an adult or older child
An adult or older child has any of these symptoms of sepsis:
They are acting confused, have slurred speech, or they are not making sense
Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
Difficulty breathing, breathlessness, or breathing very fast
It is important to note that they may not have all these symptoms.
It is important that if they display any of these symptoms you MUST phone 999/112 or take them to the nearest A&E.
You MUST call 111 now if:
You, a child or someone you look after:
Feels very unwell or like there's something seriously wrong
Has not had a pee all day (for adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (for babies and young children)
Keeps vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down (for babies and young children)
Has swelling or pain around a cut or wound
Has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering
Do not worry if you're not sure if it's sepsis – it's still best to call 111. The operator can tell you what to do, arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor, or summon you an ambulance.
Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in:
Babies and young children
People with dementia
People with a learning disability
People who have difficulty communicating.
Treatment for sepsis
Sepsis needs treatment in the hospital straight away because it can get worse quickly.
You should get antibiotics within 1 hour of arriving at the hospital.
If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause your organs to fail. This is life-threatening.
You may need other tests or treatments depending on your symptoms, including:
Treatment in an intensive care unit
A machine to help you breathe (ventilator)
Surgery to remove areas of infection
You may need to stay in hospital for several weeks.
Recovering from sepsis
Most people make a full recovery from sepsis. But it can take time. You might continue to have physical and emotional symptoms. These can last for months, or even years after you have had sepsis.
These long-term effects are sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome, and can include:
Feeling very tired and weak, and having difficulty sleeping
Lack of appetite
Getting ill more often
Changes in your mood, or anxiety or depression
Nightmares or flashbacks
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This simple first-aid guide to sepsis is one of a series of simple first-aid guides produced by Dynamo Training Solutions. Dynamo Training Solutions provides first-aid training courses throughout London, kent and the Southeast
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