Our son may not have died if there was same level of sepsis awareness four years ago, says Sean ‘Lil Red’ Hughes’ dad
A HEARTBROKEN dad who lost his son to sepsis four years ago has told how he may not have died if there was the "same level of awareness" four years ago.
Joe Hughes, whose son Sean 'Lil Red' Hughes died in 2018, said his life could have been saved if the signs of sepsis were widely known at the time.
Sean was watching TV at home when he suddenly lost consciousness on January 11, 2018.
He was rushed to Temple Street Hospital but sadly passed away the next day from sepsis.
Since then, Joe and Sean's mum Karen Phoenix have been working tirelessly to spread awareness of the illness.
The Dublin dad said the family knew nothing about sepsis before Sean passed away.
After Sean's death, the couple set up Lil Red’s Legacy and give presentations in schools and sports clubs.
Joe said: “If the HSE were doing the likes of that, it would be brilliant.
"If there was a level of awareness four years ago when our son was sick, things might be different… that’s what drives us to do what we do."
To mark World Sepsis Day yesterday, the foundation illuminated the Phoenix Monument in Phoenix Park, working with the Office of Public Works.
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Alongside this, Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel was also illuminated in remembrance of Sean.
During this, Lil Red's Legacy also set off balloons to “raise awareness of this silent killer”.
Since setting up Lil Red’s Legacy, the campaign has been contacted by over 30 people, who have said that because of the campaign, their lives or loved ones’ lives had been saved.
'ASTONISHING'
When attending the hospital with sepsis, the awareness that had been spread by the campaign led people to ask if it was possible for their illness to be sepsis.
Joe added: "It’s astonishing what we’ve done... we’re an ordinary working-class family, we don’t get any funding from anyone” explaining that they have done it all themselves.
The campaign’s biggest goal is to see sepsis awareness advertisements on Irish TV and radio, which would have a “phenomenal reach”.
Yesterday, Joe found out that Lil Red’s Legacy had been asked to join the Board of Trustees for The Irish Sepsis Foundation, Ireland's only sepsis foundation.
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection.
When sepsis is suspected it is important to remember “TIME” – Temperature (higher or lower than normal), Infection, Mental decline (sleepiness or confusion) and Extremely Ill (severe pain, discomfort, or shortness of breath.)
