The UK Sepsis Trust have worked closely with Hannah Brown’s family (a 26-year-old farmer who died from sepsis in March 2021), and the farming communities of Cumbria and North Yorkshire to produce a new campaign and specific resources to raise awareness of this ‘killer condition’ in farming communities.
In the UK alone, 245,000 people are affected by sepsis with at least 48,000 people losing their lives in sepsis-related illness’ every year. This is more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined. Yet, for many patients, with early diagnosis it is easily treatable.
Recent experience suggests that the farming community is more susceptible to sepsis due to the nature of their work; their resilience and can-do attitude; their often rural, isolated setting; and a reluctance to have time off and/or seek medical attention when not feeling well.
Knowing what to look out for and remembering to ‘Just Ask: could it be sepsis?’ if you’re concerned about someone, really can save lives.
The UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) exists to fight this life-threatening condition, stop preventable deaths, and support those affected by sepsis. Find out more at: Sepsis Awareness in the Farming Community | The UK Sepsis Trust