Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition stemming from infections, claims approximately 8,700 lives annually in Australia alone. This figure is three times greater than the number of deaths caused by common cancers and four times higher than fatalities resulting from road accidents. Despite its severity, awareness of sepsis remains alarmingly low, as many people do not recognize its signs or understand its implications.
The condition arises when the body reacts excessively to an infection, leading to a hyperinflammatory response that can result in organ failure. Each year, around 55,000 Australians experience sepsis, with many suffering severe consequences, including amputations and long-term health issues.
Personal Stories Highlighting the Urgency of Awareness
Lisa Cox OAM, a prominent advocate for disability rights, speaks passionately about her experience with sepsis. At age 45, she shares her harrowing journey that began with a stroke caused by a Strep A infection. The infection triggered sepsis, leading to organ failure and a two-month stay on life support. “My hands and feet started turning black and blotchy,” she recalls. As a result, she underwent numerous surgeries, including amputations of her left leg, several toes, and nine fingertips.
Cox’s experience emphasizes the critical need for public knowledge about sepsis. “You can’t take a casual ‘she’ll be right’ attitude with sepsis, because it doesn’t discriminate,” she warns.
Another individual, Ellen Hill, a 52-year-old writer from the Blue Mountains, echoes this sentiment. Over a twelve-year span, she has faced sepsis three times, with her most recent encounter nearly proving fatal. Hill stresses the importance of recognizing symptoms and acting quickly, stating, “Do your homework. Know the signs and act immediately.”
The Call for Increased Research and Education
The urgency of raising awareness about sepsis is underscored by Dr. Brett Abbenbroek, a representative from Sepsis Australia. He advocates for increased funding from the Australian Federal Government for sepsis research and educational campaigns. Currently, he notes, “Sepsis Australia has no funding in terms of a program, so the only reason we survive is because of research funding that we managed to obtain.”
Dr. Abbenbroek highlights a significant gap in medical education regarding sepsis. “Undergraduate education for doctors, nurses, and allied health students on sepsis is pretty much non-existent,” he explains. Most universities only cover it as a potential cause of illness, lacking dedicated subjects on the condition. This lack of preparation can have dire consequences, as newly graduated medical professionals often encounter sepsis cases first in emergency settings.
With nearly 49 million cases and 11 million deaths globally each year, the need for awareness is critical. Sepsis can develop rapidly, and its mortality rate increases by 8 to 10 percent for every hour that treatment is delayed.
Dr. Abbenbroek urges patients to mention sepsis early during hospital visits. “The sooner a patient can be given antibiotics, the higher chance they have for survival,” he states. The message is clear: immediate action is crucial.
Understanding the symptoms of sepsis is vital for timely intervention. Symptoms may include a combination of fever, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. In children and infants, sepsis can deteriorate more rapidly, making awareness even more crucial.
As advocates like Cox and Hill continue to share their stories, the hope is that greater public understanding of sepsis will lead to more lives saved. “You can’t be casual about it,” Cox emphasizes, encouraging the public to be vigilant. Recognizing the signs of sepsis and acting swiftly can make a life-saving difference.
