Is it sepsis? Watch our animation!
Is it sepsis? is a question that should be at the front of everyone's mind when they or a loved one are sick with an infection.
Sepsis happens when the body is fighting an infection but it starts to attack itself. It can damage many parts of the body and can even cause death.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. The best chance of getting better from sepsis is to treat it quickly.
Please watch and share this animation to educate yourself on the #signsofsepsis and if you suspect sepsis, call 000 or get to a hospital and ask #isitsepsis
Our beautiful angel
Thomas Snell, affectionately known as 'Snelly', was a beloved member of his local Darwin community and adored by his friends and family. Thomas was a fiercely loyal and kind-hearted boy.
We say boy lightly as at 13 years old, he was 6 foot tall, strong, fit, and healthy, teetering on the edge of a man.
A man we will unfortunately never get to know.
Thomas was in QLD representing the NT in Rugby Union, which he always gave his best at, much like his other sports, Cricket and AFL.
Thomas became ill with the flu, then pneumonia, then sepsis. His health deteriorated very quickly in a matter of 2 days, leading to a harrowing fight for his life over 20 days in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Thomas' death was preventable. Sepsis is a highly deadly but preventable disease with appropriate awareness and healthcare. Simply by knowing the signs of sepsis you may save yours or a loved ones life.
We hope that Thomas' story can empowers others to ask: 'Is it sepsis?'
Read Thomas's full story here:
what is SEPSIS
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Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Every year at least 18 000 Australian's are diagnosed with sepsis, with around 5000 losing their lives.
Thomas's contracted influenza A while on a rugby trip to Brisbane in 2017, he developed pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection, which triggered sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis can be triggered by any infection, but most commonly occurs in response to bacterial infections of the lungs, urinary tract, abdominal organs or skin and soft tissues.
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Sepsis has been coined the "silent killer" – it can rapidly cause death – sometimes within hours, but the signs of sepsis can be difficult to diagnose as early symptoms can be dismissed or confused with simple cold and flu symptoms or other similar conditions.
We urge the public to educate yourself and get to know the signs of sepsis, if you suspect sepsis, seek urgent medical attention and never be afraid to ask - It it sepsis?