Study finds 15% reduction in mortality; improves patient outcomes for Bristol County community
Saint Anne’s Hospital, a member of Brown University Health, has launched a new program with the Somerset Fire Department designed to improve outcomes for patients experiencing sepsis — a life-threatening medical emergency — before they even reach the hospital. Through this new collaboration, emergency responders are now able to begin administering IV antibiotics in the field, allowing life-saving treatment to start minutes earlier than traditional hospital-based care. This is the first collaboration of its kind in Bristol County.
The initiative is grounded in emerging research on early sepsis intervention. A published study evaluating protocol fidelity for prehospital antibiotic administration found a 15% reduction in mortality among septic patients who received antibiotics at first contact with emergency medical services. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation that can damage tissues and organs. In these critical situations, every second matters. Screening for sepsis happens upon EMS arrival. If the patient meets the clinical criteria, they receive life-saving intervention immediately by Somerset EMS.
Saint Anne’s emergency services leaders Ian Dennen, MSN, RN and Andrew Old, MD spearheaded comprehensive training with Somerset paramedics which included instruction on:
• New high-tech medication infusion pumps
• Advanced lactate monitoring meters
• Enhanced protocols for prehospital antibiotic administration
“This partnership represents a major step forward in how we care for patients with sepsis,” said Ian Dennen, RN, MSN, Director of Emergency Services at Saint Anne’s Hospital. “By equipping our EMS partners with the tools and training to act immediately, we are extending the hospital’s capabilities into the field and giving patients a critical head start in treatment.”
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to protecting the health and safety of the Somerset and Fall River communities. “Partnering on this initiative has been an exciting step forward for our team. Advanced training and new technology give our paramedics the ability to start critical sepsis treatment right in the field. Knowing we can deliver antibiotics sooner and potentially save more lives strengthens our commitment to providing the highest level of care to our community,” said Zack Eccles, paramedic and firefighter at Somerset Fire and Rescue.
The partnership reinforces reflects Saint Anne’s Hospital commitment to innovation, community, and improving patient outcomes through early intervention and advanced emergency care.