A recent MedStar Health survey reveals a significant lack of public awareness regarding sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Only 13 percent of adults surveyed could correctly identify all key risk factors for sepsis. This alarming statistic underscores the need for increased public education and awareness campaigns.
Drew Bossi, a 26-year-old from Maryland, shared his personal experience with sepsis to emphasize the seriousness of the illness. He contracted sepsis after suffering from a severe case of poison ivy, which led to multiple open wounds. The infection subsequently entered his bloodstream.
Bossi described a sudden onset of extreme exhaustion, chills, and profuse sweating, despite the warm weather. He initially attributed his symptoms to fatigue, but his mother recognized the severity of his condition and immediately took him to the emergency room. He received intravenous antibiotics and recovered. This experience prompted him to advocate for increased sepsis awareness.
Dr. Miriam Fischer, an emergency medicine physician and quality and safety lead for the sepsis program at MedStar Health, expressed concern over the survey results. She noted that nearly half of respondents were unfamiliar with sepsis. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the condition’s rapid progression and potentially fatal consequences.
Dr. Rollin J. (Terry) Fairbanks, senior vice president and chief quality and safety officer at MedStar Health, highlighted the deceptive nature of sepsis. He stressed that early symptom recognition is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Any infection can potentially lead to sepsis, making awareness of symptoms critical for timely intervention.
The survey also revealed confusion between flu symptoms and sepsis symptoms. Many respondents didn’t recognize the greater severity of sepsis symptoms. Dr. Fischer clarified that while symptoms may overlap, the feeling of impending death or disorientation strongly suggests sepsis and warrants immediate medical attention.
MedStar Health is promoting the acronym S.E.P.S.I.S. to help the public identify potential sepsis symptoms: Shivering, Extreme pain, Pale skin, Sleepy/confused, “I feel like I might die,” and Shortness of breath. The organization stresses that sepsis is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is essential to reduce mortality risk.
According to MedStar Health, sepsis is the leading cause of hospitalization in the U.S., claiming a life every two minutes. Eighty percent of sepsis cases originate outside of hospital settings, highlighting the significance of early recognition and intervention. The high number of annual sepsis cases and pediatric deaths further underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness. MedStar Health encourages individuals to learn more about sepsis at MedStarHealth.org/Sepsis.
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