Understanding the Knowledge and Attitude of Prehospital Sepsis Care among Emergency Medical Service Personnel

BACKGROUND: Sepsis represents a huge burden for the health-care system. Septic patients presented by emergency medical services (EMS) are usually sicker in comparison to patients arriving by other means. Knowledge of sepsis is a key factor in recognizing and providing the appropriate care; it is not the only barrier as EMS providers do not have access to the proper diagnostic investigation. This work highlighted the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude of EMS providers regarding prehospital care of sepsis in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study that conducted among EMS personnel of Saudi Red Crescent Authority and King Abdulaziz Medical City. One hundred and ninety-seven individuals were sampled (99 were technicians and 98 were paramedics). RESULTS: Most participants (71%) were aware of the term “sepsis;” however, only 48% of participants correctly defined sepsis (30% between emergency medical technicians [EMTs] vs. 66% paramedics group, P < 0.01). Paramedics were noted to have a better understanding of signs, symptoms, and management of sepsis. Most of the participants thought that sepsis can be identified during prehospital care (55%) and 75% suggested that they should be involved in the management of septic patients. About 80% responded that their intervention would result in a better outcome for patients and would influence the behavior of emergency department medical care. Most of the participants (83%) were willing to be actively engaged in the prehospital care of septic patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed an insufficient level of knowledge and awareness regarding sepsis care in the EMS field in Saudi Arabia. Paramedics had more knowledge and awareness about sepsis care compared to EMT personnel. Future work should focus on exploring the reasons behind this, as well as implementing plans to improve education about sepsis for EMS personnel.