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

September Awareness Month

Sepsis Awareness Month, get involved!

Every September, Sepsis Awareness Month unites people around the country and the world to shine a light on this life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis affects over 55,000 Australians each year and claims more than 8,700 lives. Sepsis changes lives but with greater awareness, faster recognition, timely treatment, and improved care, we can change the story.

With so many Australians touched by sepsis, chances are every one of us knows someone affected. That’s why this September, we’re asking everyone to bring purpose to progress —raise your voice, share your story, and help drive change.

WORLD SEPSIS DAY, 13 SEPTEMBER

#SepsisChallenge Video

take the sepsis challenge!

Join the #sepsischallenge, a social media tongue twister challenge (#SepsisChallenge) click the link below for the the how-to-guide.

#SepsisChallenge How-to Guide

Download tHE 2025 sepsis CAMPAIGN TOOLKIT

Our free digital toolkit includes:

Mission & donation info sheet
Poster
About Sepsis Information handout
Social tiles
Letter template to local MP
Media release template for local media
Share our social media posts

sepsis campaign toolkit

share your sepsis story

Have you or someone you love been impacted by sepsis? Your story can inspire, educate, and even save a life. Help us put a face to sepsis by sharing your journey.

Visit our Faces of Sepsis page to read deeply personal stories of individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by sepsis.

Share your story

light up landmarks

We’re working with partners across Australia to light up buildings and landmarks in magenta for World Sepsis Day on September 13. Is there a local landmark in your community that you would like to see lit up for awareness.

Download Template

host a workplace community event

From bake sales and -themed dress-up days to educational sessions and charity walks -every effort counts. Let us know what you’re planning and we can support your event with resources and a social media shout-out!

FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

sepsissymposium24 cast lo 2 — World Sepsis Day, Consumer Symposium 2024

sepsis changes lives. let’s change the story.

Get Involved

Have a question? Want to partner with us this September?

make a difference and join us today in the fight against sepsis

Together, we can raise awareness, improve care, drive research and save lives.