The RFDS is no stranger to the signs of sepsis. Many patients suffering from sepsis across Western Australia require emergency treatment and retrieval with RFDS to specialist centres.
Sepsis occurs when the body responds to an infection with inflammation through its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms include slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, not passing urine, severe breathlessness, and discoloration of the skin.
RFDS Western Operations Head of Medical Dr Andy Hooper regularly encounters patients suffering from sepsis and is passionate in his work to improve recognition and treatment outcomes of sufferers including resuscitation, early antibiotic administration, haemodynamic and organ support, to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
“We provide a critical-care aero medical retrieval service to transport critically unwell patients with sepsis and septic shock, requiring specialist care,” Dr Hooper said.
“Our intensive care capability during retrieval, often over hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, ensures the best outcomes for our patients.”
The RFDS employs a high calibre of healthcare professionals who are specialists in their field to ensure everyone in Western Australia, regardless of their remote location, has access to the best care.
World Sepsis Day is on September 13, raising awareness for the life-threatening condition that impacts 30 million people around the globe each year.
Spread the awareness of Sepsis and visit Australiansepsisnetwork.net.au to find out more.
