Mum's mission to highlight early warning signs after surviving deadly sepsis infection

Today, mother of four Kylie Dibb is a picture of health. This time last year however, it was a very different story.

The 38-year-old was nearing the end of her 43 days as an inpatient at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) as she recovered from sepsis.

The deadly infection saw Kylie spend a month in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during which she had multiple organ failure and went into cardiac arrest.

"It all started with the flu which quickly progressed into pneumonia," Kylie said.

"The kids had been sick so I didn't think too much of it at the time but it did knock me down."

So much so, that Kylie's father took her in to the Emergency Department at FSH where she was immediately admitted.

"They took one look at me in the waiting room and knew instantly I was very unwell. After that everything becomes a blur and I woke up 18 days later.

"It was a very traumatic time for my family, especially my four young children, as they watched me fighting for my life.

"I honestly wouldn't be standing here today without the support of my incredible husband Tyson along with both our families and friends – especially my mum, dad and sister who were by my side always."

FSH ICU Consultant, Dr Ed Litton, said more than 26,000 patients were admitted to hospitals across the country with sepsis last year.

"In Australia, a patient is admitted to ICU with sepsis every 20 minutes. Although Australia has world leading ICU outcomes, mortality rates are still more than 15 per cent and there have been no new sepsis treatments in 50 years," Ed said.

"What appears to be a mild infection can quickly turn into sepsis. As an ICU doctor it's important for us to ask the critical question – could this be sepsis?

"Unfortunately there is no single test for sepsis which makes awareness amongst clinicians so important. Here at FSH we are leading a number of research projects looking at new diagnostic tools along with improving recovery for patients who have been critically unwell."

Ahead of World Sepsis Day on Friday 13 September, Kylie was able to reunite with Ed and the other ICU doctors who treated her.

"It was really beneficial as part of my recovery process to meet the doctors who helped save my life," she said.

"You know your body better than anyone and if something's not right – speak up. Time is of the essence when it comes to sepsis and it’s really important that you’re not only aware of what the symptoms are but you get the treatment you need as soon as possible."

As Kylie continues to regain her strength, she knows she is one of the lucky ones - and she wants others to live to tell their story too.

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