World Sepsis Day was started by the Global Sepsis Alliance in 2012 with the goal of raising global awareness through collaborative efforts in order to reduce the worldwide burden of sepsis. Organizations and individuals promote the day through local and global events aimed to educate, engage, and get people talking.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis contributes to at least 8 million deaths worldwide every year. Despite advanced medical care, The Canadian Sepsis Foundation estimates that 1 in 18 deaths in Canada are related to sepsis. The Canadian Patient Safety Institute has stated that sepsis affects 30,000 Canadians each year.
Sepsis prevention and treatment is important because it can affect anyone. However, it most commonly affects those more susceptible to infection, such as infants, the elderly, women who are pregnant or postpartum, patients with cancer or others with chronic or serious illness. In Canada, 20 to 30 percent of people who contract sepsis will die, and those who survive can experience debilitating long-term effects.
Join the fight against sepsis!
There are still a number of ways you can support the fight against sepsis.
1. The easiest way to support World Sepsis Day is to take a minute to sign and share the World Sepsis Declaration.
2. Watch and share this great educational video: "What Is Sepsis? - sepsis explained in 3 minutes".
3. Visit Stories of Sepsis, where you can read firsthand accounts from people whose lives has been affected by sepsis.
4. Did you snap a photo of the pink lights illuminating Vancouver Sept 13th? Tag your local landmarks and tell your friends what World Sepsis Day was all about! @WorldSepsisDay #wsd18 #stopsepsis
Awareness and knowledge is where the fight against sepsis begins. The faster someone with sepsis receives treatment the better their chances are for survival. By learning to recognize the signs of sepsis you could one day help save someone's life!
