Resources
Sepsis Resources
A guide to understanding, navigating, and recovering from sepsis.
What would you do if you or someone you love suddenly became seriously ill from an infection? Would you know the signs of sepsis? Would you know what questions to ask?
For sepsis survivor Amalie Henze, the answer was no. Before her experience with sepsis, she had never heard of it and didn’t know the warning signs. At just 18 years old, she was diagnosed with sepsis following a suspected bowel obstruction, ultimately leading to septic shock. She survived, but her experience resulted in life-changing amputations.
Sepsis affects an estimated 18 million people globally each year and is the #1 preventable cause of death in Canada. Yet despite its severity, findings reveal significant gaps in Canadians’ understanding of the medical emergency:
51% don’t understand what sepsis is
54% aren’t confident they could recognize the signs of sepsis
56% don’t feel they know enough about sepsis to confidently discuss it with a healthcare professional
Today, Amalie is a quadruple amputee and has made it her mission to raise awareness about sepsis and the importance of early recognition and timely treatment.
Created in partnership with Neinstein, Sepsis Canada and the Canadian Sepsis Foundation, Amalie’s Guide to Sepsis is designed to give patients, families and caregivers the practical information they need, including signs and symptoms, how to advocate for yourself, potential consequences, and resources and support for those navigating and recovering from sepsis.
Inside you’ll find:
What sepsis is and who can develop it.
The warning signs of sepsis and why acting quickly matters.
Common myths and facts, including misconceptions about where sepsis comes from and who is at risk.
How to advocate for yourself and the questions to ask healthcare professionals, including: “Could this be sepsis?” and “Has sepsis been considered?”
How family members and caregivers can support and advocate for a loved one who may be too sick to speak for themselves.
What life after sepsis can look like, from fatigue and brain fog to anxiety, sleep problems and other long-term effects.
Resources and support for survivors, families and caregivers.
Whether you are learning about sepsis for the first time, navigating a sepsis diagnosis or supporting a loved one, this guide is designed to be a resource you can turn to when you need it.
Knowing more about sepsis could help you recognize the warning signs and be better prepared to speak up when it matters.
