![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.cdc.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2018\/05\/RSF-Staunton-Family-Brooklyn-Bridge.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGuest Author: Orlaith Staunton\u00a0<\/p>\n
Co-Founder END SEPSIS,\u00a0the Legacy of Rory Staunton<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n A Back to Basics Approach to Prevent Infection<\/p>\n It was hard to see it happen. We were watching a friend\u2019s basketball game when the young boy fell down and began to bleed from a cut on his arm. The referee sent him out of the game and over to his coach who took out a bandage and slapped it on the wound without cleaning the cut. Calling a time-out, the coach put the boy back in the game.<\/p>\n My daughter and I looked at each other in disbelief. \u00a0My son, her brother, Rory, had fallen playing basketball in 2012. The gym teacher had applied a bandage without cleaning the wound. Despite us bringing him to his pediatrician and hospital when he began to feel ill, Rory died from septic shock four days later. The source of the infection that ravaged his body is believed to be from the scrape on his arm.<\/p>\n At the Foundation we set up in his name, END SEPSIS,\u00a0the Legacy of Rory Staunton<\/em><\/a>, we believe in the importance of a \u2018back to basics\u2019 approach to preventing infection (including the critical importance of the simple act of washing hands), understanding the risks and signs of sepsis, and taking responsibility for educating others about infection and sepsis by devising public health awareness campaigns.<\/p>\n In September 2017 the Foundation, in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and at the request of New York State\u2019s Departments of Health and Education, produced the nation\u2019s first comprehensive K-12 sepsis education curriculum. Every school in the state has access to the curriculum; its lessons are designed to educate students about the importance of a \u2018back to basics\u2019 approach to preventing infection. Starting in kindergarten, the lessons progressively educate young people about wound care, hand washing and the signs and science of sepsis and infection and show students how to become public health advocated in their communities. In November 2017, Governor Cuomo signed Rory Staunton\u2019s Law, requiring all New York schools to receive sepsis education resources, free of charge.<\/p>\n We believe in the need for back to basics health care in our community. We know that the simplest acts\u2013washing hands, and cleaning even minor wounds\u2013will prevent infection. Our goal is to ensure that every child grows up to understand the importance of these fundamental healthcare principles.<\/p>\n For more information, visit END SEPSIS,\u00a0the Legacy of Rory Staunton<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n