Emily Griffiths collapsed with life-threatening sepsis after a weekend of shivers, exhaustion and nausea six years ago – with the effects of being so poorly staying with her today.
Undiagnosed endometriosis and years of medical dismissal meant she tried to “push through,” but quick action from paramedics saved her life and inspires her to raise awareness following her ordeal.
Writer Emily Griffiths, aged 27 from Camarthenshire, West Wales, fell unwell on the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2019.
“I hadn’t been feeling well all weekend – shivers, tiredness and awful nausea,” Emily said. “I’d struggled for years with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis, so I didn’t think much of it. I was used to pushing through.”
On the Monday everything changed: “I collapsed in the most horrific pain. I couldn’t breathe, I was blacking out and I could hear my heartbeat getting louder and louder. There was a bright light and I remember saying to my dad, Rod, ‘I think I’m dying.’ My parents were petrified and frantically trying to help.”
Emily’s mother, Angela, called 999 and explained her symptoms, including fatigue and rigours.
“They told us there would be hours to wait, but after hearing how unwell I was, the paramedics were at the house quickly,” Emily said. “They saved me: immediately putting in IV antibiotics and fluids. I was completely not with it. My blood pressure kept dropping to dangerous levels as they rushed me to hospital. Even now, the sound of sirens and blue lights is traumatic.”
Emily spent a week in hospital.
“Every day was a fight. They couldn’t get the infection under control and my temperature kept spiking. I lost over a stone in weight. Most of the medical professionals were amazing, but some definitely needed more sepsis-awareness training. After an MRI I finally received my diagnosis, but I still question why it had to get so serious,” she said.
Her recovery journey has been long and difficult.
“The months of rehabilitation and actually wanting to face the world again were huge,” Emily said. “I’m still mentally and physically traumatised. I don’t think that will ever fully go.”
“I had to learn to walk and regain my strength all over again and to think this happened a few years ago, I still get extremely exhausted and certain things trigger trauma like ambulances and certain hospital noises! I was so grateful to the Sepsis Trust: I spoke to one of their Support Nurses a few years ago and had such a helpful informative call that helped me hugely,” said Emily, who also thanks her parents for their support.
Ultimately, Emily knows the difference early recognition makes in giving people like her the chance to recover.
“If it wasn’t for the quick action of the paramedics, I wouldn’t be here,” Emily said. “Trust your instincts. Sepsis needs urgent treatment and care – don’t take one wrong opinion.”
Emily is now motivated to share her story to help others.
“Please know the signs and symptoms of sepsis for yourself and those around you,” she said. “It might just save a life. And if you’ve survived sepsis, know your feelings are valid – the emotional and physical toll is massive.”
Her message to healthcare professionals is equally direct: “Please act fast if a patient is showing these signs. Don’t dismiss: listen and learn, and act quickly to save a life. We know the signs of a heart attack; we should know the signs of sepsis just the same.”
Six years on from her ordeal. Emily recently faced another health scare.
“At the start of September 2025, I was so unwell again with a rash, temperature, shivers and headache,” she said. “I’m grateful for the fast actions of my GP – immediate antibiotics, full bloods and life-saving tests. It’s crucial to have that kind of care for the best outcome.”
If you or a loved one has an infection, use our sepsis assessment tool to determine the correct course of action.
