Rural isolation, demanding work and an attitude of resilience can put farmers at greater risk of the life-threatening sepsis, making awareness and early action essential. That’s why we at the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) were proud to join NFU Mutual and the Northern Ireland Agri-Rural Health Forum (NIARHF) at this year’s Balmoral Show in Belfast, to launch a new campaign aimed at helping farming communities recognise the risks and warning signs of sepsis and why timely action is critical.
The campaign, delivered by the NIARHF and the Farm Safety Partnership in collaboration with UKST, was launched on Thursday 14th May at the NFU Mutual and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) stand. Carrying the message, “Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?”, the year-long campaign encourages people to trust their instincts, ask questions and act quickly if something does not feel right.
The event brought together health professionals, agricultural organisations and members of the rural community to share vital information about sepsis, with contributions including NIARHF Chair and local GP Rebecca Orr, alongside Professor Gerry Gormley and colleagues Professor Nigel Hart and Professor Helen Reid from Queen’s University Belfast.
Why is the farming community at a greater risk of sepsis?
Farmers face increased risk of infection due to the nature of their work, where cuts, puncture wounds and animal-related injuries are often part of daily life. In agricultural environments where bacteria are present in soil, slurry and manure, minor injuries can quickly become infected and, if untreated, could lead to sepsis; a condition which claims up to 48,000 lives each year in the UK. The demands of farming can also lead to delays in seeking medical help, a factor known to contribute to poorer outcomes.
With the help of simulation specialists and practical demonstrations, attendees were shown what infected cuts can look like, along with other warning signs of sepsis such as mottled or discoloured skin. Another important discussion at the demonstration table involved the importance of monitoring urine output, as passing little or no urine over the course of a day is a key symptom of sepsis. Attendees were encouraged to assess whether symptoms appeared normal or concerning, helping them to recognise the warning signs contained within the SEPSIS acronym.
What does this mean for farming communities?
Terence Canning, Head of Communities at The UK Sepsis Trust, said:
“Sepsis is a medical emergency that can affect anyone and can develop from infections that may initially appear minor. Campaigns like this play a vital role in helping farming communities recognise the warning signs early and understand when urgent medical attention is needed.
“By working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Agri Rural Health Forum, we can bring lifesaving information directly to farm families and reinforce a simple but powerful message: “Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?””
Rebecca Orr, Chair of the Northern Ireland Agri Rural Health Forum and a local GP, said:
“We were delighted to once again bring farmers and health experts together to highlight an important agricultural health issue. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where time is absolutely critical. Through this campaign, we want to ensure NI farm families have the knowledge and confidence to recognise the warning signs early and act quickly if concerns arise.”
Prof Gerry Gormley, alongside colleagues Prof Nigel Hart and Prof Helen Reid, said:
“Many people don’t realise how quickly infection can become serious. Through practical, real-life simulation, we aimed to bring sepsis to life, helping farmers recognise worrying symptoms sooner and reinforcing the importance of protecting themselves, their families and their futures by acting early.”
Click here to learn more about our farming campaign.
