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Sepsis math: Every hour = 8% closer to the morgue

September 19, 2025 · 21 min

Show notes

You know the drill — “patient feeling weak,” “not quite right,” maybe alittle confusion. But what if that vague dispatch hides a killer? This week on the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig into one of the most missed, yet deadliest emergencies we face: sepsis.

You'll hear when to treat aggressively with fluids, why timing matters for antibiotics and how any provider can sound the alarm with a sepsis alert. Plus, they dive into the controversy around fluid bolus protocols, which prehospital labs might be worth it and why a 30 mL/kg mindset isn’t always one-size-fits-all.

If you've ever walked into a call and thought “something’s off,” this episode will help you figure out what — and how to act before it’s too late.

Memorable quotes
  • “Most septic patientsdon'troll with a sign thatsays,‘I’m septic.’”

  • “The number of sepsis cases we see in EMS are more than stroke and heart attack combined.”

  • “They may have pulses everywhere — just none of them are good.”

Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests.

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