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Sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially life threatening complication of an infection that can affect anyone of any age.


It is more common in the very young, the elderly or those with a weakened immune system. Not every infection progresses to Sepsis but don’t be afraid to ask...‘Could this be Sepsis?’

Read more about the symptoms and causes of sepsis, including sepsis in children and pregnancy

Internationally, approaches to sepsis management care are based on early recognition of sepsis, with resuscitation and timely referral to critical care have reported reductions in mortality from sepsis and septic shock in the order of 20-30%. Sepsis and Septic Shock is a time dependent medical emergency.

This website supports the implementation of Sepsis Management: National Clinical Guideline No. 6, which was quality assured by the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) and launched by the Minister for Health in November 2014. This guideline was updated in 2021 in line with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommendations and is now identified as National Clinical Guideline No. 26.

The Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the management of septic shock and sepsis-associated organ dysfunction in Children (SSCGC) National Implementation Plan was also published in 2021.

Sepsis Awareness videos - adults

Cathal O’Donnell: Sepsis Awareness (Youtube.com)

Sepsis:Yvonne’s Story (Youtube.com)

Have you heard of Maternal Sepsis (Youtube.com)

Sepsis Awareness videos - children

Nuala Clarke: Sepsis Awareness (Paediatric) (Youtube.com)

HSE – Paediatric Sepsis Awareness – Animation (Vimeo.com)

National Sepsis ELearning Programme

The National Sepsis elearning programme was launched at the 3rd National Sepsis Summit September 2016, see www.hseland.ie to complete the programme.

Resources