From the signs of pneumonia with sepsis to the symptoms of pneumonia, an EMS1.com report provides three things paramedics should know about sepsis and pneumonia.

According to EMS1.com writer Bob Sullivan, recognition and treatment of pneumonia and sepsis by EMS personnel can have a significant effect on patient outcomes.

“Much of the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs associated with pneumonia occur when it progresses to sepsis,” writes Sullivan. “EMS plays an important role in identifying pneumonia, identifying sepsis caused by pneumonia and treating the respiratory and circulatory complications associated with pneumonia and sepsis.

He provides three factors EMS personnel should know about the diseases:

  1. Pneumonia causes inflammation of a section of lung that impairs air exchange.
  2. Look for a gradual onset of difficulty breathing, fever and localized abnormal lung sounds to identify pneumonia.
  3. Look for vital sign changes and abnormal EtCO2 to identify pneumonia with sepsis.

View the full story at www.ems1.com