#United States #Columbia #sepsis #MedStar Health #Drew Bossi

Understanding Sepsis: Urgent Awareness Needed

In a shocking revelation, a recent poll conducted by MedStar Health found that only 13% of adults can accurately identify all key risk factors associated with sepsis, a condition that claims a life in the United States every two minutes. This startling statistic comes from a growing concern among healthcare professionals regarding the public's lack of knowledge about this critical health issue.

Drew Bossi's Personal Battle with Sepsis

Drew Bossi, 26, from Maryland, advocates for greater awareness after his own harrowing experience with sepsis. As a teenager, he suffered from a severe case of poison ivy that left him with multiple open wounds while he played baseball during a hot summer. Unbeknownst to him, this would set the stage for a life-threatening infection.

"I had poison ivy from neck down, with many scratches all over me, which I tried hard not to aggravate. But being a teenager, I was often out on dusty fields," recalls Drew. The critical moment arrived when he experienced sudden and extreme exhaustion that seemed to hit him out of nowhere. From feeling perfectly fine in the morning, he was taken down by symptoms that included shivering, intense cold, sweating, and overwhelming fatigue within a matter of hours.

"When my mother saw me, I looked like a ghost. Thank goodness she took action quickly, or it could've been fatal," he said, as he reminisced about his race to the emergency department where he was treated with IV antibiotics for several hours.

The Prevalence of Ignorance on Sepsis

The recent MedStar Health survey indicates that nearly half of all respondents do not recognize sepsis or have never even heard of it. Alarmingly, while most individuals can identify some of the symptoms, only a disheartening 13% are able to identify them all. This means that a lot of people remain unaware that an infection can escalate dramatically, and without prompt medical treatment, can quickly result in death.

According to Dr. Miriam Fischer, emergency medicine expert at MedStar Health, the lack of public knowledge surrounding sepsis is alarming. "Our findings show an urgent need for education. Nearly half of those surveyed couldn't define what sepsis is, and it's surprising that many aren't concerned about such a serious but often preventable cause of death."

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body's immune response to an infection spirals out of control, leading to organ failure, tissue damage, and possibly death. It can arise from any infection, be it the flu, urinary tract infections, or various wounds. Drew's illness stemmed from his body’s battle against the poison ivy rash, which inadvertently distracted his immune system from combating the bloodstream infection that ultimately caused his sepsis.

Healthcare providers stress that because 80% of sepsis cases arise outside of a hospital setting, the lack of public awareness about its symptoms can be lethal. Without immediate treatment, the risk of death from sepsis can increase significantly, climbing by nearly 10% each hour.

Recognizing Sepsis Symptoms: S.E.P.S.I.S. Acronym

To combat this alarming trend, MedStar Health encourages the public to remember the acronym S.E.P.S.I.S. to help recognize critical symptoms:

• - S — Shivering, fever, or very cold to the touch
• - E — Extreme pain or discomfort
• - P — Pale, discolored, clammy, or sweaty skin
• - S — Sleepy, confused, or disoriented
• - I — "I feel like I'm going to die"
• - S — Shortness of breath

Final Thoughts from Survivors and Experts

As Drew continues to spread awareness, he reflects on the severity of what initially seemed minor. "It's something I think about often, how quickly sepsis escalated from a poison ivy reaction to a potentially fatal condition," he says. “I urge everyone to recognize warning signs and act swiftly. Understanding how rapidly sepsis can develop into a life-threatening situation is the key to survival.”

For more information and resources regarding sepsis, visit MedStarHealth.org/Sepsis. Awareness can save lives.

• --- ## Conclusion

The need for public education on sepsis cannot be overstated, especially with statistics showing its deadly nature. Individuals must learn to identify symptoms and seek immediate care. Awareness can drastically alter outcomes for this serious health condition, and Drew Bossi's story serves as a cautionary tale for us all.