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Raising Awareness this World Sepsis Day\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nS<\/span>epsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body\u2019s response to infection harms its own tissues and organs, pushing the immune syste<\/span>m into overdrive. Affecting millions worldwide, sepsis is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths globally each year. At escalla, we are proud to partner with The UK Sepsis Trust, collaborating to produce vital e-learning content aimed at saving lives. <\/span><\/span>For many of us, this partnership goes beyond professional duty – it’s personal. Several members of our team have faced the devastating impact of sepsis in their own lives, making our work with the Trust even more meaningful. <\/span>To mark World Sepsis Day, we\u2019re sharing some of our personal stories, hoping to raise awareness, encourage vigilance, and highlight the critical importance of recognising the early signs of sepsis.<\/span><\/h4>\n
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David\u2019s Story: The Importance of Early Recognition <\/span><\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\u201cIn 2020, I developed a skin infection on my leg. I delayed going to hospital for 24 hours but in that <\/span>time<\/span> I felt <\/span>really unwell<\/span>, <\/span>possibly the<\/span> worst I had ever felt.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Due to the client work I had undertaken <\/span>in the area of<\/span> Sepsis for <\/span>escalla<\/span>, I recognised several of the signs that I may have Sepsis. When I did go to A&E, I volunteered the signs to the consultant and explained my suspicions <\/span>regarding<\/span> Sepsis. Within 1 hour, the results were <\/span>positive<\/span> and I was given IV antibiotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Despite the swift treatment, I spent 4 weeks in hospital with medical staff trying to get on top of the infection. The infection eventually covered half of my left leg and there was talk of <\/span>possible amputation<\/span> at the knee. The consultant dermatologist at the hospital (teaching hospital) even asked if she could take pictures to use as a reference point as it was the worst skin infection she had ever seen in her 15 years as a consultant \u2013 <\/span>aspirationally<\/span> I hope I am never in a similar position to become a teaching reference point again\u2026<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
I am left with legacy damage to lymph nodes and the like but ended up making a \u201cfull\u201d recovery<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span>The importance of effective and quick recognition and start of treatment for Sepsis was <\/span>very clear<\/span> to me through personal experience. I do wonder how much worse things could have been if treatment <\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span> start as quickly as it did.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
I am <\/span>very grateful<\/span> for the work undertaken by The UK Sepsis Trust, particularly because it allowed me a greater understanding of symptoms to be able to suggest to the medical staff \u201cCould this be sepsis?<\/span>\u201d.<\/span> I am glad that <\/span>escalla<\/span> continues to support this charity and work with them to provide learning and education in the <\/span>important area<\/span> of Sepsis recognition and treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Saving<\/span> a Life with Knowledge<\/span><\/h4>\n
\u201c<\/span>My 81-year-old father-in-law developed a chest infection in autumn last year, which resulted in a trip to A&E and hospital admission, as it had progressed to pneumonia. Having been involved with The UK Sepsis Trust e-Learning project from the start, I was fortunate enough to be aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
I knew that pneumonia was the largest cause of sepsis in adults and that my father-in-law would be at greater risk of sepsis due to his age. Therefore, my partner and I were very mindful that sepsis could develop, so we were on the lookout for any signs or symptoms and mentioned our concerns to the hospital staff.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
This enabled an early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, which saved his life. But had we not been specific in our concerns, <\/span>I\u2019m<\/span> not sure it would have been picked up. We noticed that my father-in-law was far more confused than we had ever seen him, but this <\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span> automatically register with medical staff, who were inclined to assume that this was a symptom of dementia.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Despite the swift treatment, unfortunately, my father-in-law spent several weeks in and out of the hospital with repeated sepsis infections, including <\/span>significant time<\/span> in ICU. Although he <\/span>ultimately recovered<\/span> from the infection, his health has declined <\/span>considerably as<\/span> a result. He is no longer able to walk or mobilize himself, and his cognition has deteriorated dramatically.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
I am <\/span>very grateful<\/span> for the work of The UK Sepsis Trust, particularly because it made me confident to <\/span>ask<\/span> \u2018Could this be sepsis?\u2019 when my father-in-law was being treated. I am proud to continue to support them through <\/span>escalla\u2019s<\/span> charity work and our ongoing e-Learning projects.”<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Neil’s Story: Losing a Loved One<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
“My mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for years and was in a care home. But it was sepsis that <\/span>actually killed<\/span> my mum, not<\/span> Alzheimer’s.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
It was the day of Prince Philip’s funeral, Saturday 17th April 2021, when my sister was called by the care home to say that Mum had been taken to hospital, as she <\/span>wasn’t<\/span> feeling well. We were reassured it was just a precautionary measure and there <\/span>wasn’t<\/span> anything to worry about. However, that evening, I got a call from my sister to say that Mum was <\/span>very sick<\/span> as she had developed sepsis. We were <\/span>advised to get<\/span> to the hospital urgently, as she might not survive the night.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
I made a frantic dash across town to Northwick Park Hospital. The country was just coming out of Covid lockdown, so we were only allowed to enter Mum’s room one at a time, and we had to wear disposable gowns, gloves, and face masks. She was wired up to a drip, her breathing was heavy and fast, and she looked terrible. We all prepared for the worst.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
The following day, she was still alive, though not out of the woods. We visited her every day to sit with her by the bed as she slept, although she did wake up a couple of times whilst we were there. But 18 days after entering the hospital, and with me and my sister by her bed, she finally took her last breath.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Sepsis can be brutal and swift, and we were all left devestated by the suddenness of it.”<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
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Matt’s Story: A Narrow Escape<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
“Sepsis doesn\u2019t discriminate. My brother-in-law, Gavin, contracted sepsis during Covid-19. He is a freelance graphic designer, however, during the pandemic, the need for his services was <\/span>few and far between<\/span>. His brother Matt has his own building business, and Gavin started working with Matt during this period.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Gav is a well-built, active fella; he goes to the gym, plays some golf, and rides a bike often. He also has three kids between the ages of 4 and 11. One day, while working with his brother, he knelt on a small nail, which pierced his skin slightly. He <\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span> reali<\/span>s<\/span>e this until about a week later when his knee started to balloon, and he began to get a fever and shortness of breath.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
He went straight to his doctor, who thankfully recogni<\/span>s<\/span>ed the signs of sepsis, red-flagged it, and sent him straight to the hospital. However, when he saw a doctor at the hospital, they <\/span>advised<\/span> that it was <\/span>likely just<\/span> an infection and arranged to get him antibiotics and send him home. While waiting for his meds, another health professional walked past Gav, who by this time was shaking uncontrollably, and felt a second opinion was needed urgently. It was confirmed as sepsis.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Gav then spent the next 10 days in the hospital. He was in a bad way, with the first five days on saline drips, constant antibiotics, and more. It was touch and go as to whether they might have to remove his leg to stop the infection, as they <\/span>didn\u2019t<\/span> know what his cells looked like under the knee. Eventually, the decision was made to <\/span>operate<\/span> to scrape away the bad cells and look underneath. Thankfully, the cells below were in <\/span>good shape<\/span>, which meant any concern about removing his leg was over.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
The focus then shifted to getting him well enough to return home to his family. The scary thing is that not only could a healthy, active man in his late 30s have had to have a leg removed, but he could also have died had he been sent home with just antibiotics, as recommended by the first doctor. <\/span>That\u2019s<\/span> not a criticism of the doctor, but it shows that even in the healthcare profession, there may still be a lack of awareness of how dangerous sepsis can be.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
Sepsis can be fatal and can progress quickly, with death occurring in as little as 12 hours from the first signs of infection. The risk of death increases by over 7% for each hour that passes without treatment. <\/span>You\u2019ll<\/span> be pleased to know Gav is back to his healthy best, undertaking many graphic design projects, running around after his kids, and enjoying the activities he loves\u2014he<\/span> even<\/span> reckons his golf handicap has improved, but <\/span>I\u2019m<\/span> not so sure!”<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/h4>\n
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Why Awareness Matters<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Sepsis is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms\u2014confusion, fever, shortness of breath\u2014can easily be mistaken for other conditions. Every year, sepsis affects millions of people worldwide, and in the UK alone, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> estimated to cause around 48,000 deaths annually. Early recognition is key, but public awareness of the condition <\/span>remains<\/span> alarmingly low.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
That\u2019s<\/span> why the work of The UK Sepsis Trust is so critical. Their mission is to educate both the public and healthcare professionals on sepsis recognition and response. Our partnership with them to develop e-learning tools is a part of that mission\u2014helping to spread knowledge that could save lives. But beyond the professional aspect, this work is deeply personal to us. <\/span>We’ve<\/span> seen sepsis devastate families, including our own. <\/span>We’ve<\/span> seen how crucial it is to ask the question, “Could this be sepsis?” at the right time.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
On this World Sepsis Day, we hope our stories highlight the urgency and importance of recogni<\/span>s<\/span>ing sepsis. If you or a loved one is experiencing an infection, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> worth remembering that sepsis can strike anyone. <\/span>