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Sepsis Australia

Sepsis Australia is a collaborative of individuals and organisations who are working to improve outcomes for Australian patients with sepsis and to provide information and support to the families and friends of people with sepsis.

Sepsis Australia does not duplicate the efforts of its state, territory, professional and consumer partners, but rather provides an avenue through which members can collaborate to better disseminate information about sepsis to healthcare workers and the general community.

Vision and mission

Reduce the burden of sepsis (death and disability) by:

  • increasing awareness of sepsis in the community, government policy makers and healthcare workers
  • coordinating a national approach to World Sepsis Day on 13 September
  • supporting state and territory health services, clinicians, professional societies and colleges by promulgating best evidence based practice
  • working to ensure a high national standard of sepsis awareness, prevention, clinical care, post sepsis care and support
  • developing education resources and building sepsis research capacity
  • providing an avenue for the development of patient/carer led support groups and community engagement.

How Sepsis Australia can help

Sepsis is a condition that is responsible for or contributes to up to half of all deaths occurring in hospital. It’s estimated that there are 55,000 cases of sepsis resulting in least 8700 deaths in Australia each year, yet few people have heard of sepsis and the prevalence of sepsis is increasing.

Unlike conditions such as heart disease or breast or prostate cancer, sepsis affects people of all ages and patients cared for by almost all health care professionals. Sepsis Australia is specifically dedicated to reducing the burden of sepsis in Australia.

Recommended links

Last reviewed: January 2024

Information from this partner

Found 9 results

What is Sepsis? - Sepsis Australia

Sepsis is the life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can lead to shock, failure of multiple organs, and death. Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognized early and not treated promptly. Sepsis is…

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Patients and Carers - Sepsis Australia

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (USA) Global Sepsis Alliance Hand Hygiene Australia Infection Prevention & Healthcare Facilities – Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Limbs for Life Amputee Peer Support National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Sepsis Factsheet Sepsis Alliance website Information on Treatment When a…

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Life after Sepsis - Sepsis Australia

Many people who survive severe sepsis recover completely and their lives return to normal. But some people, especially those who had pre-existing chronic diseases, may experience permanent organ damage. For example, in someone who already has kidney impairment, sepsis can lead to kidney failure that requires lifelong dialysis. Patients who have…

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Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis - Sepsis Australia

Sepsis is treatable if caught early. It can occur as a result of any infection, so it is important to be aware of sepsis symptoms and seek urgent medical help if you have: rapid breathing rapid heart rate confusion, slurred speech or disorientation fever or shivering muscle pain not passing…

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People at Risk - Sepsis Australia

Anyone can develop sepsis, but children, infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, AIDS, cancer and kidney or liver disease are also at increased risk, as are those who have experienced a severe burn or physical trauma. In…

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Recognising Sepsis - Sepsis Australia

The clinical diagnosis of sepsis may be obvious, such as when someone presents to the emergency department with community acquired pneumonia or a perforated viscus; however, in other circumstances and when onset is more insidious the diagnosis of sepsis is often missed. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential as…

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Causes and Prevention - Sepsis Australia

Sepsis results from an infection which may arise in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, abdomen or other part of the body. The most common causes of sepsis are respiratory infections, abdominal infections (for example, after kidney or gall stones) and urinary infections. Sepsis may occur in patients both in the…

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Treatment - Sepsis Australia

Sepsis should be treated in-hospital as a medical emergency; severe sepsis will be treated in an intensive care unit. In other words, sepsis should be treated as quickly and efficiently as possible and as soon as it has been identified. Antibiotics should be administered immediately after blood and other fluid…

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FAQs - Sepsis Australia

These are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about sepsis, both from individuals and healthcare providers. What is sepsis? Sepsis is an illness that can happen in response to an infection and can quickly become life-threatening. It can affect all parts of the body. In…

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