Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.
| EMS etiologies | Setting: ER |
Sepsis is caused by the body’s immune response to an infection, most commonly bacterial, but sometimes viral, fungal, or parasitic. The immune response to the infection leads to widespread inflammation, which can damage tissues and organs. Pathogens such as Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli), and fungi (e.g., Candida) are frequent culprits. Risk factors include age (very young or old), weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses (like diabetes or cancer), and trauma.
Sepsis can result from infections in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or abdominal organs. Diagnosis has evolved from using systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria to the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, which focuses on respiratory rate, blood pressure, and mental status.
Immediate treatment includes fluids, antimicrobials, and possibly medications to stabilize blood pressure. Intensive care often follows, with support for affected organs like the lungs and kidneys. Management also involves monitoring vital signs, oxygen saturation, and preventing complications such as blood clots and ulcers. Blood cultures and imaging help identify the infection source. The prognosis depends on the severity, with death rates ranging from 30% in general sepsis to 80% in septic shock.