Know Sepsis, Stop Sepsis: ICU Specialists Urge Public Action on World Sepsis Day
Know Sepsis, Stop Sepsis: ICU Specialists Urge Public Action on World Sepsis Day
On World Sepsis Day,' Anaesthesia Department Urges Public to Learn the Signs of the Silent
As we observe World Sepsis Day on September 13, 2025, the Department of Anaesthesia & Critical Care at [Govt medical college Srinagar ], which oversees the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across all Govt medical college associated hospitals, issues a crucial message to the public: "Know Sepsis to Stop Sepsis." Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to an infection. It is a medical emergency that can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including malaria, dengue, pneumonia, and post-operative infections.
Why is the Department of Anaesthesia Speaking Out?
As the specialists who manage our hospital ICUs, we are on the front lines of the battle against sepsis every single day. We witness the devastating speed with which it strikes, regardless of a patient's age or prior health. Our teams work tirelessly to resuscitate, support failing organs, and fight the infection. But the single most important factor in winning this battle is early recognition.
What the Public Must Know: The 5 Key Facts & Actions (WSD 2025 Theme)
This year's global theme, "5 Facts × 5 Actions," is a call to empower everyone. We urge every citizen to learn these:
5 Facts About Sepsis:
- Sepsis is a medical emergency.
- Sepsis can affect anyone, from newborns to the elderly.
- Sepsis is caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection.
- Sepsis can lead to death or long-term disability.
- Sepsis is preventable through vaccination, clean care, and awareness.
5 Life-Saving Actions:
- PREVENT infections through vaccination, clean water, and hand hygiene.
- RECOGNIZE the signs: extreme shivering, fever, confusion, cold/clammy skin, extreme pain, and shortness of breath.
- SEEK emergency medical care immediately if sepsis is suspected. Every hour delayed increases the risk of death.
- PRACTICE antibiotic stewardship. Antibiotics save lives in sepsis, but they must be used wisely to remain effective.
- SPREAD awareness. Share this message and help save lives.
Our Hospital's Commitment: ICU Excellence and Antibiotic Stewardship
Our fight against sepsis is two-pronged:
- Advanced ICU Care: Our ICUs are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by dedicated critical care specialists trained to provide rapid, protocol-driven sepsis management. We measure our performance to ensure we deliver the best possible care from the moment a patient arrives.
- Antibiotic Stewardship Programme (ASP): This is a core pillar of our strategy. The irrational use of antibiotics is creating superbugs that are resistant to treatment. Our ASP, led by a multidisciplinary team including anesthesiologists, microbiologists, and pharmacists, ensures that every antibiotic prescribed in our hospitals is appropriate, targeted, and duration-specific. This protects our patients from drug-resistant infections and preserves the power of these essential medicines for future generations. We stress this because responsible antibiotic use is not just a doctor's duty; it is a societal responsibility.
A Final Plea to the Public:
Your health is a shared responsibility. Today, we ask you to partner with us.
- Get yourself and your family vaccinated.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Know the signs of sepsis.
- Do not demand antibiotics from your doctor for viral infections like colds or flu.
- If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course exactly as directed.
On this World Sepsis Day, let us move from awareness to action. Let’s work together to stop this preventable tragedy.
About the Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care
: Our department is responsible for the provision of perioperative care, pain management, and the operation of all Intensive Care Units across the 6 associated hospitals of Govt Medical College Srinagar. We are committed to clinical excellence, education, and leading public health initiatives like antibiotic stewardship.
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care GMC Srinagar
anaesthesiologyccmgmcsrinagar@gmail.com
