Recognition of sepsis in the paediatric patient: a reflective study

Abstract

Sepsis affects around 100,000 people in the United Kingdom annually. Early recognition of this time critical medical emergency is vital to prevent the condition developing into life threatening septic shock. Paediatric mortality is between 13-34% in septic shock. Pre hospital recognition and treatment by paramedics is inconsistent. Education of the Sepsis Six pathway for pre hospital care providers, GP's and community care practitioners is vital for the rapid treatment and increased survival rates for the septic patient.