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September is Sepsis Awareness Month
Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to infection and a condition that can be a life-threatening medical emergency. In fact, sepsis is responsible for killing more people than heart attacks or even cancer. This September, Mercy Health is sharing the warning signs of sepsis and highlighting how the health system is addressing the condition.
“In health care, we spend a lot of time discussing the signs of a heart attack or stroke, which is important because time is of the essence when treating either condition. The same is true of sepsis, though it’s a condition that many are not as familiar with,” said Melody Hunker, Director of Quality, Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown and sepsis committee representative. “Sepsis actually carries a much higher risk of death if left untreated, which is why it’s a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical attention if you or a family member exhibits symptoms of sepsis.”
No one is immune from sepsis, as almost any infection can lead to its development. Often these infections start in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin or urinary tract. Sepsis can cause tissue damage and organ failure, leading to amputation or even death. The acronym TIME can help you remember the warning signs:
- Temperature: Is the person’s temperature abnormally high or low?
- Infection: Has the person had a recent injury, surgery, or infection?
- Mental decline: Is the person confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse?
- Extremely ill: Is the person experiencing severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath?
The Sepsis Alliance found as many as 80 percent of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and treatment. In Lorain, Mercy Health has formed a sepsis committee, which is made up of representatives from infection prevention and nursing to lab and emergency department team members. This committee meets monthly to discuss ways to raise awareness and improve sepsis care through early recognition and quick treatment.
The tricky part about sepsis is many of its symptoms can be confused with, or related to, other medical conditions. Learning how to discern when sepsis is involved is a top priority for our ministry – not just in Lorain, but across our footprint.
“As a ministry, we are currently evaluating multiple ways to improve the rapid recognition of sepsis and septic shock in our clinical areas,” said Stacie Call, Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “This ranges from investments in artificial intelligence, expanded clinical staff education, and partnerships with local EMS providers to identify potential infections and sepsis even before patients reach our emergency departments.”
Something else we are doing is raising sepsis awareness through a very special recognition – the Clover Award. It’s named after Clover Harrold, a South Carolina child who was just days shy of turning 10 months old when she died of sepsis. Each Clover Award winner receives a pin, shaped like a four-leaf clover, along with a note from Clover’s parents about the significance of their contribution to fighting sepsis.
“Any time that we can positively recognize the great work that happens within our hospitals, that is important,” Call shares. “The Clover Award provides a great opportunity to celebrate ‘wins’ and to focus specifically on the care we provide sepsis patients within our emergency departments and other units.”
To learn more about Mercy Health and the health care services available, visit mercy.com.
About Mercy Health – Lorain
Mercy Health – Lorain is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours Mercy Health provides care for patients more than 11 million times annually through its network of more than 1,200 care sites, which includes 49 hospitals. In 2023, BSMH provided more than $600 million dollars in community investments across five states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. Locally, Mercy Health – Lorain is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated health care system, which has been providing quality health care to Lorain County and surrounding communities for more than 125 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient, and ancillary services through its two hospitals, Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital in Oberlin; Mercy Health Physicians; and specialized facilities, including the Mercy Health – Cancer Center, Mercy Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Mercy Health – New Life Hospice. The mission of Mercy Health – Lorain is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit Mercy Health online at www.mercy.com.
