After identifying a known source of infection and two sepsis criteria, what action should be taken?

After identifying a known source of infection and two sepsis criteria, what action should be taken?

• A. Notify hospital via telemetry Code Sepsis
• B. Administer antibiotics immediately in the field
• C. Obtain blood cultures
• D. Start CPR

Answer: (A)

When sepsis is suspected, getting the hospital involved right away to activate the sepsis protocol is the fastest way to start definitive care. Notifying the receiving facility with a Code Sepsis alert via telemetry lets the ED mobilize the team, prepare for blood cultures and lactate testing, and have antibiotics and fluids ready to go as soon as the patient arrives. In most EMS settings, antibiotics aren’t started in the field unless there’s a specific standing order, and blood cultures are typically drawn in the hospital, so pre-arrival notification accelerates the entire process. CPR is not indicated unless the patient is in cardiac arrest.

When sepsis is suspected, getting the hospital involved right away to activate the sepsis protocol is the fastest way to start definitive care. Notifying the receiving facility with a Code Sepsis alert via telemetry lets the ED mobilize the team, prepare for blood cultures and lactate testing, and have antibiotics and fluids ready to go as soon as the patient arrives. In most EMS settings, antibiotics aren’t started in the field unless there’s a specific standing order, and blood cultures are typically drawn in the hospital, so pre-arrival notification accelerates the entire process. CPR is not indicated unless the patient is in cardiac arrest.