Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening and without timely treatment can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters. Sepsis is a public health issue, not just a hospital issue. Every two minutes, a life is lost to sepsis in the U.S., totaling over a quarter million people each year.
In 2018, Sepsis Alliance conducted a nation-wide survey on sepsis. Here are a few of the findings:
- Sepsis awareness has significantly increased to 65 percent from 58 percent in 2017.
- More than a third (36 percent) say they do not know the symptoms of sepsis, while a majority of adults (94 percent) say they can identify the symptoms of stroke, even though sepsis is twice as common and twice as deadly as a stroke.
- Fewer than half (48 percent) of adults say that an infection is a symptom of sepsis.
CHA is committed to working with its member hospitals to improve sepsis care and associated patient outcomes.
Sepsis Awareness Month
Governor Hickenlooper declared September 2018 Sepsis Awareness Month. View the proclamation.
Toni Foos, CHA infection prevention manager, discussed the importance of Sepsis Awareness Month on No Copay Radio. Listen below.
Toni Foos on No Copay Radio - Sepsis Awareness Month
Infection Prevention Manager