September is Sepsis Awareness Month!
Rory Staunton's Story: Close to Home and Heart
On Wednesday March 28, 2012, Rory dove for a ball during gym class at the Garden School in Jackson Heights, NY and cut his arm. The gym teacher did not send him to the nurse who was on duty in her office, but instead, applied two band-aids. He did not clean Rory’s wound before he sent Rory back to play. Three days later, Rory died from sepsis.
September is Sepsis Awareness Month
A common misunderstanding about sepsis is that it is a hospital infection, but Rory's story is not uncommon.
Keep these signs of sepsis in mind – signs that Rory's pediatrician didn't even pick up – so you can be aware and be pro-active. Early detection and treatment are critical!
Fever/shivering or very cold
Rapid breathing
Elevated heart rate
Pale or mottled skin
Disoriented/confused & sleepy/difficult to wake
Extreme pain/physical discomfort
If you or a loved one has these symptoms, act quickly. Time is not on your side.
Go to an EMERGENCY ROOM
Ask for a RAPID sepsis test. If necessary, INSIST
Negative test result? Symptoms persist? TEST AGAIN
TRUST YOUR GUT, SPEAK UP, EMPHASIZE URGENCY
Soap and water could have saved Rory's life.
Simple steps can have significant results. We just need to know what to do.
Won't you join us in sharing Rory's story?
Please forward this note to your friends and family.
Together, let's help end sepsis.