What Sepsis Looks Like
Sepsis is a dysregulated response to infection that can progress to septic shock. Look for fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and altered mental status. Skin may be warm and flushed early, then cool and mottled later.
Screening Tools
Tools such as qSOFA flag patients with respiratory rate of 22 or more, altered mentation, or systolic blood pressure of 100 or less. A suspected infection source plus two or more findings should prompt concern. Measure lactate where available.
Prehospital Care
Give oxygen as needed and start IV access with a crystalloid fluid bolus for hypotension. Pre-notify the hospital with a sepsis alert, since early antibiotics save lives. Monitor for worsening perfusion and be ready to support ventilation.