An expert group has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of pre-hospital antibiotics in patients with suspected sepsis.

The group reviewed the available clinical evidence on the use of antibiotics in cases of suspected sepsis in the pre-hospital setting and discussed the feasibility, evidence and implications of commencing antibiotics in a patient with suspected sepsis in the community setting.

The National Clinical Programme for Sepsis and the Irish College of GPs launched a general practice update on adult sepsis in the community in 2024. To develop this guidance further and in response to the recommendations of the Justice Clarke Report and Recommendations (following the tragic and untimely death of Aoife Johnston), the expert working group was formed. 

The review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of pre-hospital antibiotics in patients with suspected sepsis. Suspected meningococcal disease is the exception, it said, where urgent administration of benzylpenicillin is recommended.

Further details are available on www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/news