Ambulance crews test early antibiotics for sepsis
NCT ID NCT03068741
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether paramedics can improve survival by giving antibiotics and fluids to sepsis patients before reaching the hospital. Over 2,000 adults with suspected sepsis and low blood pressure were enrolled. The goal was to see if early treatment in the field reduces deaths compared to usual care that starts in the emergency department.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ceftriaxone (antibiotic) and intravenous saline (fluids)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could show that starting sepsis treatment in the ambulance saves more lives than waiting until arrival at the hospital.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed Phase 4 trial, but the benefit of early paramedic treatment may be small or not apply to all sepsis patients. Risks include allergic reactions to antibiotics or fluid overload.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
2,061 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2020
- Finished
-
Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with Sepsis, defined as (all 3 must be present): i) Paramedic suspects possible infection: e.g. suspected pneumonia, urinary tract infection, skin infection, bone and joint infection, intra-abdominal infection, meningitis ii) Presence of fever: Temperature ≥ 38.0°C measured by paramedic or history of fever during previous 24 hours iii) Presence of hypotension: Systolic blood pressure \< 100mmHg 2. Age ≥ 18 years Exclusion Criteria: 1. Post cardiac arrest 2. Suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 3. Suspected acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) 4. Acute severe trauma 5. Obvious severe non-traumatic bleeding 6. Signs of fluid overload 7. Suspected acute congestive heart failure (CHF) 8. Known Clostridium difficile infection within the last 6 weeks 9. Known pregnancy or breastfeeding 10. Known allergy or sensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporin 11. Known to be receiving oral or subcutaneous anticoagulants or low molecular weight heparin 12. Paramedic is unable to identify patient by first and last name and/or health card number
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Severe sepsis or septic shock are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Halton Region Paramedic Services
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
-
Peel Region Paramedic Services
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
-
Toronto Paramedic Services
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
-
York Region Paramedic Services
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.