“For a condition that takes 44,000 lives every year, it is astonishing how few people know what it is. That’s one of the reasons we want to help highlight the dangers of SEPSIS to the public.”
These are the words of West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, at the recent launch of a new campaign to raise awareness about Sepsis. Each of the Trust’s 47 new ambulances entering service with WMAS this year will carry information about the condition.
Unveiling the vehicles on Thursday 30th November 2017 was Melissa Mead, who has campaigned to raise awareness of the condition after her one-year-old son William tragically died after a range of health providers failed to spot the condition. She was accompanied by Dr Ron Daniels, Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust.
West Midlands Ambulance Service is the first Trust to put the messaging on it’s vehicles. Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I am delighted that Melissa and Dr Daniels have come along to help us unveil these posters. Our staff know better than most just how important it is to recognise the condition and to act quickly to help save lives.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is the reaction to an infection in which the body attacks its own organs and tissues. If not spotted and treated quickly, it can rapidly lead to organ failure and death. The numbers are staggering – every year in the UK, 250,000 people are affected by sepsis; 44,000 people die and 60,000 suffer permanent, life-changing after-effects. It’s more common than heart attacks and kills more people than bowel, breast and prostate cancer and road accidents combined! Sepsis is a rare but serious condition that can look just life flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection. Seek medical help urgently if you develop any of the following:
Slurred speech
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathless
I feel like I might die
Skin mottled or discoloured
Melissa Mead’s story about Sepsis:
Melissa Mead is an Ambassador for the UK Sepsis Trust. Melissa’s one year old son, William, tragically died of Sepsis. It’s the UK’s third biggest killer and, since William’s death, Melissa has been campaigning to educate the public about Sepsis. She wants to help avoid other parents from having to ‘step in her shoes’ and go through losing a child to a condition which could be treated if caught in time. Listen to her story:
You can find out more about Sepsis and the work of the UK Sepsis Trust by clicking here.
