Sepsis
What sepsis is:
- Sepsis is a toxic response to infection that is attributed to killing more
than 270,000 Americans every year; more than breast cancer, lung cancer,
and prostate cancer combined (CDC, 2020). Approximately 1.7 million adults
in America develop sepsis and 1 in every 3 patients who dies in an American
hospital is attributed to sepsis (CDC, 2020).
- Sepsis is a medical emergency that can occur to anyone, anytime, and requires
early detection and treatment. Sepsis develops when the chemicals in the
immune system releases into the bloodstream to fight an infection cause
inflammation throughout the entire body instead.
- It arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own
tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and
death, especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

What causes sepsis and who is at risk?
- Any type of infection can cause sepsis at any time to anyone. However,
some individuals are at higher risk such as those who are very young,
elderly (65+), those taking medications that affect their immune system,
and individuals with chronic disease.
What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?
- Confusion or disorientation.
- Shortness of breath.
- High heart rate.
- Fever, shivering, or feeling cold.
- Extreme pain or discomfort.
- Clammy or sweaty skin.
How Can I prevent Sepsis?
-
Practice good hygiene: handwashing, keeping cuts clean until healed, dental hygiene.
-
Prevent Infections: Take to your doctor or nurse about how to prevent infections such as
taking good care of chronic conditions and getting all recommended vaccines.
-
Know the signs and symptoms!
-
Take antibiotics as directed: Take antibiotics only for bacterial infections as prescribed by your
doctor. Do not stop antibiotics just because you feel better, make sure
to continue entire dose of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance.
-
Act fast: If you believe your or someone you know has sepsis, seek medical care
immediately. Sepsis is a medical emergency and time matters!
What is offered at PVHMC:
- Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is accredited as a national facility
by the joint commission for the identification and treatment of sepsis.
PVHMC doctors and nurses are trained to immediately recognition sepsis
upon emergency department triage and intervene with evidence-based intervention
upon detection. PVHMC is a national leader in providing a multifaceted
approach to well-rounded sepsis care from the emergency department throughout
the hospital.
How does PVHMC set the bar?
- At PVHMC, we have a system in place to rapidly identify and treat septic
patients within minutes of arrival. Early identification and treatment
are based upon the most up-to-date evidence-based practice that is reviewed
by a team of medical professionals to ensure all patients always receive
the highest quality of care.
- A “gold alert” is activated throughout the hospital upon initial
sign of a septic patient. This alert allows all departments to be aware
that a septic patient is present and will require rapid care. The patient
will be brought within the main ED and a multitude of medical professionals
from nurses, doctors, phlebotomists, and radiology technicians will be
at bedside ready to provide rapid treatment. The patients care will be
closely monitored from triage until hospital discharge to ensure that
the signs of sepsis are caught and taken care of through early identification
and treatment.
For more information visit the following:
CDC and
Sepsis alliance