Prehospital antibiotics and intravenous fluids for patients with sepsis: protocol for a 2×2 factorial randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Prompt recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis improve survival. Patients transported to hospital with sepsis often do not receive treatment until they are assessed in emergency departments. Initiation of treatments by paramedics at the point of first contact may improve outcomes for these patients.

Methods and analysis

The study design involves two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted using a 2×2 factorial design comparing use of (1) early intramuscular ceftriaxone versus placebo and (2) an early liberal intravenous fluid strategy (up to 2 L normal saline) versus usual care resuscitation guided by paramedic medical directives. Patients who are ≥18 years of age will be eligible for inclusion if they have sepsis, defined as (1) paramedic suspic

SUBMITTER: Scales DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12121580 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature