Saint Peter’s University Hospital Adult Emergency Department
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Saint Peter’s University Hospital Adult Emergency Department
To improve the recognition and response to patients presenting with possible sepsis, the adult emergency department health care team at Saint Peter’s University Hospital implemented a nurse-driven protocol focused on early identification and rapid intervention. Upon recognizing sepsis indicators based on presenting symptoms and vital signs, nurses are empowered to call a “Code Sepsis,” triggering an immediate and coordinated response. A critical component of this initiative is the use of a timer to ensure the team remains focused on the timeliness of essential interventions. The timer acts as a visual and auditory prompt to guide the team in obtaining IV access, drawing blood cultures, performing a point-of-care lactic acid test, and administering fluids and antibiotics within the critical first hour. This structured approach not only enhances the efficiency of care but also improves patient outcomes by ensuring that evidence-based interventions are delivered promptly, minimizing the risk of sepsis-related complications. The initiative underscores the importance of timely, team-based responses in managing sepsis effectively.