School Nurses: A Vital Line of Defense Against Sepsis.

Every day, school nurses care for children through illness, injury, chronic health conditions and unexpected emergencies. They are often the first healthcare professionals to recognize when a child is becoming seriously ill. They are also present when students are injured at school – the first responders with the power and knowledge to care for wounds in a way that prevents more serious complications. 

At END SEPSIS, we believe school nurses are essential partners in protecting children from sepsis.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency where your immune system overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation and potential organ failure. It requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. Any infection can lead to sepsis – including wound and dental infections, pneumonia, UTIs and more. Sepsis requires rapid recognition and treatment to ensure survival.

More than 350,000 Americans die each year as a result of sepsis and countless more sustain life-changing disabilities, including amputations and cognitive changes. There are more than 18,000 pediatric sepsis cases annually in the United States and more than 1,800 deaths. Pediatric sepsis claims more lives than all childhood cancers combined.

Know the Signs.

A child with sepsis may have one or more of the following signs:

• Fever, shivering or feeling very cold
• A very fast heart rate or weak pulse
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Clammy, sweaty, pale or mottled skin
• Confusion, unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Extreme pain or discomfort
• A rapid decline or an overall appearance of being seriously unwell
  

A child may not have every symptom. Sometimes the most important warning sign is that the child appears much sicker than expected.

Read the latest study on pediatric sepsis in the United States here.

View our Sepsis and Children page here.

Protecting Children from Sepsis at School.

Knowing the Signs – and Acting

Most sepsis cases in children and young adults begin before they reach the hospital. Because children spend so much time at school, the first signs of a worsening infection may appear in the classroom, on the playground or in the school nurse’s office. 

If you suspect sepsis, ensure the child in your care receives urgent medical attention.

First Aid to Prevent Infection.

School nurses also play an important role in preventing the infections that can lead to sepsis. Injuries are not uncommon at school, on the playground and during physical education classes. To help prevent infections at school:

• Ensure physical education teachers are knowledgeable about the importance of cleaning and covering wounds
• Educate school staff about the link between infection and sepsis. Share this page and the Prevent Infections, Save Lives poster with other school staff
• Emphasize hand hygiene to prevent the spread of germs

School nurses protect children every day. By making sepsis awareness part of school health and safety, we can help ensure that when a child needs urgent help, that help comes without delay.

Supporting a Child’s Return to School After Sepsis.

Going back to school can be an important step in a child’s recovery from sepsis – but returning does not always mean they are fully well.

A child may look healthy while still experiencing extreme tiredness, pain, difficulty concentrating, anxiety or changes in their physical abilities. Others may return with more complex needs following surgery, dialysis, limb loss or a lengthy hospital stay. These challenges can affect learning, friendships, attendance and participation in everyday school activities.

School nurses can help make the transition less overwhelming. By listening to the child and family and working with teachers and administrators, they can ensure appropriate supports are in place and adjusted as recovery progresses. With understanding, flexibility and a thoughtful care plan, school can once again become a place where the child feels safe, included, and ready to move forward.

View our resource pages on Surviving Sepsis and Post Sepsis Syndrome.

Rory’s Story.

END SEPSIS is especially passionate about creating school environments that keep children safe from sepsis. There’s a reason for that: END SEPSIS was founded by Ciaran and Orlaith Staunton, whose young son Rory died from sepsis after he grazed his arm during gym class and did not receive basic first aid. Had his small wound been cleaned before being bandaged, Rory would be alive today. Read Rory’s story here.