This document provides guidance for all staff involved in the care and management of children presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) with suspected or confirmed sepsis, or septic shock in Queensland. These guidelines have been developed by senior ED clinicians and Paediatricians across the state with specialist input from PICU and Infectious Disease staff, Queensland […]
In December 2022, toddler Ryan Lines from Broken Hill fell critically ill with sepsis following a Strep A infection. Within days, he was in cardiac arrest and urgently flown to Adelaide for life-saving treatment. Ryan survived—but the impact was profound. He underwent multiple surgeries, including the amputation of both lower legs and several fingers. His […]
In July 2023, I gave birth to our beautiful second daughter, Avalie. It was a challenging C-section, but we were both discharged home on day two. Avalie was feeding well and seemed healthy.The next day, everything felt normal as we adjusted to life with two little ones. But that night, my mum intuition felt off. […]
Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening inflammatory response to an infection that can damage its own tissues and organs. Sepsis is a time-critical emergency that can lead to shock and potentially death if not recognised early and not treated promptly.
Clinical Management sepsis PRIORITIES Management priorities for sepsis include:1. Rapid recognition of symptoms and early initiation of treatment including prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and effective source control to manage the infection.2. Fluid resuscitation and, if necessary, vasopressor therapy to stabilise and maintain adequate tissue perfusion.3. Supportive care for organ dysfunction including respiratory and renal support along with continuous monitoring of…
On 10 August 2003, my life was shattered. My son, Preston, died at the Mater Children’s PICU. He was two and a half years old. Preston had been suffering from pneumonia, which caused acute lung injury. This allowed a secondary bacterium to invade his body, causing overwhelming sepsis. Preston was promptly put on life support […]
Initial Injury and Onset In early 2023, I was recovering from a cold virus when our new 12-week-old puppy, Harriet the Harrier, accidentally scratched my left shin, leaving a 1 cm wound. Initially, I thought little of it. Within 48 hours, I began experiencing flu-like symptoms and gastrointestinal upset. I assumed it was a recurrence […]
Education sepsis education Education and training resources for health professionals wanting to increase their knowledge and understanding of sepsis care in adults and children. Global and national education resourcesGlobal and National Sepsis Education and Training Programs. Sepsis Australia Digital Pocketbook Welcome to Sepsis Australia’s Digital Pocketbook — your on-demand hub for over 40 educational videos…
Quality improvement sepsis programs and resources Explore local, national and global programs and resources aimed at reducing the burden of sepsis. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (‘the Commission’) In 2019, following lobbying by The George Institute's Sepsis Australia Program a one off funding allocation was provided by the Australian Government Department…
