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Sepsis: Action Plan

  • Green zone

    I’m feeling okay.

    • My breathing and heartbeat feel normal.
    • I don’t have symptoms of sepsis. (I don't have fever, chills, or clammy skin, and I feel alert.)
    • No wounds, incisions, or insertion sites for medical devices have symptoms of infection. These symptoms include:
      • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
      • Red streaks leading from the area.
      • Pus draining from the area.

    My action plan:

    1. Take all medicines as prescribed.
    2. Continue to follow wound, incision, or device care.
    3. Practice good hygiene, such as handwashing and skin care.
    4. Drink water and eat healthy foods.
    5. Attend all follow-up appointments.
    6. Watch for early symptoms of sepsis, such as fever or chills.

  • Yellow zone

    I may have an infection.

    • I have a fever or chills.
    • I have new or worse pain.
    • I have symptoms of infection at a wound, an incision, or an insertion site for a medical device. These symptoms include swelling, warmth, redness, or drainage.
    • I don't urinate very much, and when I do it burns.
    • I have other new symptoms of sepsis (such as some confusion or shortness of breath), and I don't feel well.

    My action plan:

    1. Contact my doctor’s office right away to report my symptoms.
    2. Tell the staff that I am at risk for sepsis.
    3. Watch my temperature, heart rate, and symptoms closely.
    4. If my symptoms get worse or don’t get better within ____ hours, I will get urgent medical care.

  • Red zone

    This may be sepsis. I need emergency care now.

    • I feel very short of breath.
    • My heartbeat feels very fast.
    • I am confused, disoriented, or hard to wake.
    • I have extreme weakness or pain.
    • I have a fever or chills or feel very cold.
    • I have clammy, sweaty skin, and I look pale.

    My action plan:

    1. Call911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
    2. Tell emergency staff: “I am at risk for sepsis and have symptoms of sepsis.”

You may want to keep track of other instructions or information from your doctor, such as chronic conditions, recent surgeries, implanted devices, medicine names and doses, emergency contacts, or warning signs specific to you. Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms that aren’t listed above.

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