Reminder: administering paracetamol to sepsis patients

As previously published in Need to Know , sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by an infection.

It is important to remember that the administration of paracetamol is not indicated for suspected or actual sepsis patients with a raised body temperature, as research has shown that fever is beneficial to the body to help fight infection. If paracetamol has been administered prior to your arrival on scene, please ensure you document this on the patient care record – paracetamol may mask fever.

In addition, the administration of benzyl penicillin is also not indicated for sepsis patients unless meningococcal septicaemia is suspected. Please review the current pre-hospital sepsis screening tool for guidance on the clinical management of adult sepsis patients.

Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive and injures its own tissues and organs. This can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and even death if not treated early.

If you have any queries, please contact clinical.leads@eastamb.nhs.uk. 

Download a copy of the sepsis screening tool, or find it on pages 378-379 in your Clinical Manual.

Published 25th February, 2016