Dr. Susan Roberts: Eyes of Sepsis: A National Campaign for Early Sepsis Recognition

Eyes of Sepsis™

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When Time Runs Out in Silence™ | CRUSH 33™ – A Medical Emergency™

Why Sepsis Sneaks In

Sepsis occurs when an infection triggers your body’s immune system to turn against itself. It spreads quietly, and by the time you see it, it can already be dangerous. The faster you speak up, the more lives you can save.
Every hour you wait, the risk of dying goes up.

EYES Of Sepsis™
Community Analogies to Understand Sepsis

Broken Alarm Clock

  • Fever isn’t always there (especially in older or weak immune systems).
  • Just because the “alarm” doesn’t ring, it doesn’t mean danger isn’t there.

Foggy Windshield

  • The flu, COVID, and Influenza A & B can blur the real picture.
  • What looks like “just a virus” may actually hide sepsis.

Fire Behind Drywall

  • Infections (like pneumonia, Crohn’s, or a perforated bowel) can burn behind the walls where you can’t see them.
  • By the time smoke shows, the fire is already raging.

Garbage Truck Breakdown

  • Lactate lies late: the body’s “trash trucks” can’t haul away waste fast enough.
  • When garbage piles up, organs shut down.

Popcorn Kernel

  • Some people “pop” with obvious signs, others stay quiet and hidden.
  • Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Juice Box™ (for Foley catheters/urine)

  • If the straw isn’t clean, bacteria travel right into the juice.
  • Chronic Foley catheters must be secured, cleaned, and checked often.

Can’t Walk Chair

  • Sudden pain in the stomach or inability to walk can be sepsis.
  • Don’t ignore sudden weakness, it’s the body’s SOS.

Blood Bank Burden

  • Patients who receive multiple blood transfusions have stressed immune systems.
  • Their “guards” are tired so that infection can sneak in faster.

Cirrhosis Barrier

  • The liver is like a security guard at the gate.
  • When it’s sick, bacteria sneak past into the blood, starting sepsis.

Pressure Cooker (Pressure Ulcers)

  • Bedsores are like holes in the skin that open doors for bacteria.
  • Keep moving, cleaning, and checking skin to stop sepsis before it starts.

Community GO Resources

Download Community Journal Page - EN

Mnemonic: SPEAK UP

S – See the Signs Early (confusion, fast breathing, less urine)
P – Protect the Weak (cancer, chemo, elderly, chronic illness)
E – Every Infection Counts (UTI, pneumonia, wounds, Crohn’s)
A – Ask Out Loud: “Could this be sepsis?”
K – Keep the Clock in Mind: Every hour matters.
U – Use Hand Hygiene (stop spread of bacteria like C. diff).
P – Prevent With Care (clean lines, secure Foley, move often).

Download Community Resource and GO Journal
Download Community Journal Page - ES

Why It Matters

  • Flu & COVID: Flu-like symptoms can hide sepsis. Don’t wait if your symptoms worsen.
  • Crohn’s & leg pain: Internal gut issues or unusual limb pain can be early infection signs.
  • UTIs & Foley catheters: Bacteria travel fast. Keep catheters secure and clean.
  • Cancer & chemo: Lower immunity = higher risk. Every fever or weakness must be checked.
  • C. diff & hand hygiene: Washing hands stops the spread of deadly gut infections.
  • Pneumonia: When infection reaches the lungs, oxygen drops quickly.
  • Post-op & bedsores: Surgery and immobility open doors for infection.
  • Multiple transfusions: Weakened immune systems mean danger can spread quickly.
  • Cirrhosis: A weakened liver lets bacteria invade the bloodstream.
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🕑 The Clock Is Ticking

👉 Every extra hour without antibiotics increases the chance of death.
👉 Don’t wait. Rule out sepsis until proven otherwise.

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