Prehospital care providers are tasked with the delivery of time-sensitive care, and emergency medical services (EMS) systems must match patients to appropriate clinical resources. Modern systems are uniquely positioned to recognize and treat patients with sepsis. Interventions such as administration of intravenous fluid and transporting patients to the appropriate level of definitive care are linked to improved patient outcomes. As EMS systems refine their protocols for the recognition and stabilization of patients with suspected or presumed sepsis, EMS providers need to be educated about the spectrum of sepsis-related presentations and treatment strategies need to be standardized.
Key points
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Early recognition of sepsis in the prehospital environment can improve patient outcomes.
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Early recognition and aggressive fluid therapy (when appropriate) are important components of a prehospital sepsis protocol.
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Early notification of the receiving hospital and measurement of serum lactate concentrations may expedite care of the septic patient encountered in the prehospital environment.
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Additional research is needed to determine the necessary components of a prehospital sepsis protocol.
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