Sepsis: the silent killer we should be stopping

The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that sepsis may kill as many as six million people globally each year. We know that sepsis goes unrecognised by members of the public, and that often victims present to healthcare too late as a result. We also know that healthcare professionals could be better educated, so that sepsis diagnoses can be made more quickly, and treatment administered as fast as possible. Earlier identification and treatment could prevent many of the millions of unnecessary deaths every year. First Aid providers can help by equipping themselves with the information they need to recognise the signs of sepsis and seek medical attention urgently, thereby starting the Chain of Survival Behaviour (IFRC, 2016) as early as possible.