Photography brings to life impact of sepsis in Australia
A compelling new photography exhibition titled ‘SOMEBODY #coulditbesepsis’ has launched in Sydney to highlight the impact of sepsis in Australia. From 17 to 28 July, striking images and moving personal stories of sepsis survivors and families who have lost loved ones will be displayed for the first time at Art Space on The Concourse, Chatswood, Sydney.
The exhibition is a collaboration between Sydney-based documentary photographer Helene Cochaud, Sepsis Australia, and real Australians affected by sepsis who have shared their stories of strength, resilience and hope.
Helene Cochaud said the project was a true partnership between herself and the survivors and families involved, providing a way to make their important stories heard.
“After watching a powerful episode of Australian Story about a sepsis survivor, I felt compelled to contact Sepsis Australia to find out more about the condition.
“Like many people, I had heard of sepsis but had little insight into what it is, its impact or how to recognise the symptoms that can absolutely save lives. Meeting with survivors and collaborating on this project has been a positive, life-changing experience,” she said.
Dr Brett Abbenbroek, Program Manager, Sepsis Australia and Asia Pacific Sepsis Alliance, highlighted the exhibition's role in giving a voice to the sepsis community in Australia and raising much-needed awareness.
“Sepsis is a complex, poorly recognised illness. Any infection can trigger it, causing organ failure and leading in many cases to death or life with permanent disability.
“But sepsis is treatable if it’s caught early. The value of the personal stories Helene has captured cannot be overstated in raising community awareness of the signs of sepsis and bring attention to the lives of survivors and their families,” he said.
Sepsis is one of the most common and deadly diseases worldwide, claiming around 8,700 Australian lives each year. Nearly half of the survivors are left with disabilities or impaired function, facing an increased risk of death in the following months and years.
While anyone can develop sepsis, paediatric sepsis accounts for nearly half of all cases and is a major cause of preventable childhood death. Up to a third of surviving children face severe complications such as amputations, cognitive impairment, psychological impacts and other long-term conditions.
Despite affecting around 55,000 Australians each year, community awareness of sepsis is dangerously low. Its early symptoms, such as fever, nausea and body pain, are often mistaken for other conditions like flu or gastroenteritis. Sepsis progresses rapidly, with the risk of death increasing by 8% for every hour that treatment is delayed. It is critical to recognise the early signs, act fast, and always ask: ‘Could it be sepsis?’
To offer insights into the creation of this important project and the impact of sepsis, a panel discussion with Helene Cochaud, Dr Brett Abbenbroek, survivors and families who have lost loved ones to sepsis, will be held at the exhibition on 20 July.
Event details: www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events/SOMEBODY-coulditbesepsis
Visit https://www.australiansepsisnetwork.net.au/ for more information about sepsis.
