⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
EM-014
Sepsis
Serious infection with deterioration can be life-threatening — escalate promptly.
What should I do first?
- Treat serious infection with deterioration as potentially life-threatening
- Seek medical assistance promptly
- Monitor responsiveness, breathing, and overall condition
- Do not attempt to identify or treat sepsis independently onboard
- Follow vessel procedures and medical assistance advice
What this may look like
- Known or suspected infection with sudden worsening
- Fever or very low temperature with feeling extremely unwell
- Confusion, weakness, or reduced responsiveness
- Breathing difficulty or marked deterioration
What should I check?
- Signs of infection and change over time
- Responsiveness and breathing
- Temperature and overall appearance if available
- Need for urgent professional assessment
What should I avoid?
- Attempting independent identification or antibiotic treatment onboard
- Delaying assistance when the person is deteriorating
- Assuming mild illness if the person appears seriously unwell
When should I get medical assistance?
- Promptly when infection is accompanied by significant deterioration
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
- Follow your vessel's emergency procedures
What information should I prepare for TMAS / medical assistance?
- Known infection source if any
- Symptoms and timing of deterioration
- Temperature and responsiveness if available
- Actions taken so far
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Related symptoms
Important safety note
- This pathway does not provide antibiotic or sepsis treatment protocols
- Professional medical assessment is required
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.