Sepsis Awareness Month With TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center would like to recognize Shannon Bailey-Bell, RN, BS, CSPC, our sepsis coordinator for her expert clinical experience in caring for sepsis patients and developing and implementing sepsis protocols to promote awareness and early intervention.

Shannon encourages everyone to take the time to understand sepsis. Any infection can cause sepsis, and the source of infection can be viral, bacterial, fungal or caused by a parasite. It can be something that started as a simple paper cut or bug bite, or a larger infection, such as pneumonia or meningitis. Sometimes the cause is unknown. It can affect people of all ages and all levels of health, but those who are more likely to be severely affected are young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

It’s important for members of the community to know the symptoms of sepsis. If you or a loved one have a high heart rate, fever or just feel overwhelmingly sick, seek treatment from a medical professional immediately. Early treatment is crucial if you think you may have sepsis. “Don’t wait!

When it comes to sepsis, the Sepsis Alliance reminds us to remember….
IT’S ABOUT TIME! Watch for:
T=Temperature-higher or lower than normal
I=Infection-may have signs and symptoms of infection
M=Mental Decline-confused, sleepy, difficult to arouse
E=Extremely Ill-sever pain, discomfort, shortness of breath

Sepsis is your body’s response to an infection and is a medical emergency. Please call 911 or go to your nearest ER to seek treatment!