AN AMBULANCE technician based at Hollymoor in Rubery is campaigning to raise awareness of sepsis after suffering from the life-threatening condition herself.
Becky Mortimer experienced sepsis first-hand when she fell ill in November 2022 as a result of a strep A infected lymph node.
Becky underwent emergency surgery and a week in an intensive care unit, followed by a further three weeks in hospital.
Since being discharged from hospital, Becky has since developed post-sepsis syndrome and through support received by the UK Sepsis Trust, has taken the opportunity to highlight the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms to save lives.
Symptoms to be aware of
Symptoms of sepsis in children can include very fast breathing, fits or convulsions, looking mottled, bluish or pale, a rash which does not fade when pressed, being lethargic or difficult to wake and being abnormally cold to touch.
Symptoms of sepsis in adults can include slurred speech or confusion, extreme shivering or muscle pain, passing no urine (in a day), severe breathlessness, mottled or discoloured skin and feeling as if they’re going to die.
Becky said: “It’s really important to me that I can raise awareness for the symptoms of sepsis and just how serious it can be.
“I see patients with sepsis quite often within my role and unfortunately suffered with it myself.
“Quick recognition can lead to faster treatment, resulting in a shorter or potentially less severe experience with the illness.
“After recovering from Sepsis and developing Post Sepsis syndrome, I reached out for support from the UK Sepsis Trust which was able to help me while I dealt with the recovery period.”
Trust governor and Becky’s Mum, Jeanette Mortimer, has taken on the challenge of walking 10,000 steps each day in July to raise money for the charity and to show her support for her daughters awareness campaign.
Jeanette said: “I had heard about sepsis before, but hadn’t experienced it until seeing how severely ill Becky was.
“It’s a common misconception that sepsis can only affect the very young or elderly, but this isn’t true and we all need to familiarise ourselves with the symptoms.
“This is why I have taken on the challenge. Hopefully in doing so, I can reach more people who don’t yet know about the signs of sepsis.”
Visit sepsistrust.org for more.
