November 21, 2025 |
Photo – MHCC – Bigfoot 99 file photo
In Rawlins, administrators at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County are working to raise awareness about the dangers of sepsis and the importance of early treatment.
MHCC’s Director of Nursing and Inpatient Services Janessa Mann described sepsis as a life-threatening medical emergency triggered by an extreme immune system response, but it can be treated.
Mann said sepsis can affect anyone. The very young, the elderly, and people with autoimmune deficiencies are most at risk. The Director of Nursing said sepsis can often develop when an infection goes untreated or is not properly managed.
Mann said symptoms include tachycardia, an elevated heartbeat, rapid breathing, and changes in body temperature. A low body temperature also can be a sign of sepsis and should not be ignored.
Confusion, intense pain, and cold, clammy skin may also be signs of sepsis.
Mann explained that sepsis can develop when a person fails to complete a full course of antibiotics, allowing bacteria to become drug-resistant and more dangerous.
Director of Nursing Mann also said a person can become septic if they have a compromised immune system or are taking immunosuppressant medications, such as drugs used to prevent organ rejection. Mann added that, in rare cases, a person may develop sepsis without a clearly identifiable cause.
Mann said sepsis is dangerous because it triggers your body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs, causing low blood pressure and kidney damage. The Director of Nursing said sepsis patients are typically treated with IV fluids and medications to raise blood pressure.
Mann said taking antibiotics as prescribed and seeking medical care at the first sign of symptoms can help prevent sepsis. However, proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection.
Additionally, managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and pulmonary disease can help reduce the risk of developing sepsis. Mann said untreated diabetes can make a person especially vulnerable to serious bacterial infections.
If you suspect sepsis, Mann recommended going to the nearest emergency room. Diagnosing the condition requires lab testing that most family practice clinics are not equipped to perform. The Director of Nursing said Memorial Hospital of Carbon County provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions, including sepsis, all under one roof.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sepsis is the third leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Director of Nursing Mann said that one in five people who contract sepsis die from the disease.
Due to the severity of the disease, administrators at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County are working to raise public awareness about the dangers of sepsis. The Rawlins medical facility has updated its procedures and staff training to ensure patients receive the right care for all illnesses, including sepsis.
