Coma to Confidence – Sepsis Australia

JUST ASK, COULD IT BE SEPSIS?

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to any infection that progresses quickly and requires immediate attention. Know the signs and symptoms (one or all of the following may be present).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS

Rapid breathing

Rapid heart rate

Confusion, slurred speech or disorientation

Fever or shivering

Muscle pain

Not passing urine

Discoloured skin

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO!

Early-stage sepsis:

Sufferers are generally unwell, may display one or all of the signs and symptoms, feel worse than when previously sick and there is concern
Contact healthdirect at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ OR Call 1800 022 222 (24 hours) and ask…could it be sepsis?

Later stage sepsis:

Sufferers are seriously unwell, likely to display significant changes in multiple signs and symptoms, feel like they might die and there is serious concern
CALL 000 Ambulance or if quicker go immediately to the closest Emergency Department and ask….could it be sepsis?

Key considerations:

If concerned get advice immediately
If seriously concerned get treatment immediately
Inflammation due to infection is normal but in sepsis the inflammation response is uncontrolled, it may start mildly but rapidly escalate to critical illness
Sepsis is difficult to recognise as it may not have an obvious cause, it can look like viral or bacterial illnesses such as flu, gastro or urinary tract infection
Trust your intuition…if it doesn’t feel right TAKE ACTION and always ask…could it be sepsis?

symptom checker Call 000

Caitlin Alsop (aka @comatoconfidence) is a sepsis survivor from Australia.

“I was a healthy 23 year old and then sepsis left me fighting for my life, ventilated and comatose. You never know how strong you really are, until you’re faced with life or death. Sepsis left me with scars of courage and ironically in nearly losing my tongue and my life; I gained a whole new voice and purpose. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses for my life and it has become my mission to raise awareness about sepsis and make a difference. This is my story of sepsis and my second chance at life.”

Coma to Confidence Courage Cards (coming soon)

Inspirational quotes from survivors around the world to empower you or your loved ones through a difficult time. These cards were put together with love from so many who have been through the most incredible journey including sepsis, cancer battles, loss and have come through the other side to share their message of encouragement. Opening these cards will let you know that you are not alone on this journey. Percentage of profits go toward raising awareness for sepsis and sepsis charities.

For more information see: https://www.comatoconfidence.com/