Felicia Atkinson never imagined that a simple urinary tract infection (UTI) could nearly take her life. One evening, she felt unusually fatigued and was experiencing persistent back pain, symptoms she dismissed as minor. She decided to try a warm bath to ease her discomfort, but afterwards found herself too weak to get out. "That’s when I knew something was really off," she recalls. With the urging of her mother, boyfriend and her son, she made the life-saving decision to go to the emergency room at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC).

What Felicia didn’t realize at the time was that she was experiencing the early stages of sepsis—a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes widespread and spirals out of control. Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death if not treated promptly. Common early warning signs include fever, chills, rapid breathing, confusion, extreme fatigue, and a fast heart rate. Without immediate medical intervention, sepsis can escalate rapidly - something Felicia learned firsthand.

By the time Felicia arrived at CPRMC, her body was already in crisis. “At first, it felt minor, but it quickly got worse and worse,” she explains. “By the time I was in the ER, I truly thought I was going to die.”

Fortunately, the emergency medical team at CPRMC recognized the symptoms of sepsis immediately - a critical factor in survival. “The ER doctor knew right away what was happening, and they intervened so fast,” Felicia recalls. Rapid treatment can mean the difference between life and death in sepsis cases.

But Felicia’s condition was more severe than she realized. Shortly after arriving to the ER, Felcia’s condition quickly deteriorated, and the unthinkable happened – cardiac arrest. “Surreal to say that I took my last breath,” she recalls. Felcia’s heart stopped and the ER team began to resuscitate her. “They spent 30 minutes resuscitating me and had to shock me three times – I’m forever grateful for them working so long on me.” Her survival was nothing short of a miracle, thanks to the swift action of CPRMC’s medical team.

Once Felicia was stabilized, the focus shifted to managing her recovery and preventing further complications. "Sepsis affects the whole body, so we monitored her closely to ensure she was responding to treatment and regaining strength," says Dr. William Martin, attending hospitalist at CPRMC and a primary care provider with the affiliated Carolina Pines Medical Group Primary Care. "It was crucial to manage her condition every step of the way as she began the recovery process."

Dr. Abraham Areephanthu, Felicia’s primary care physician and one of the hospitalists involved in her care at CPRMC, further emphasizes the importance of the follow-up care after such a severe illness. “Discharging a patient after severe sepsis is just the beginning of recovery," explains Dr. Areephanthu. "Because I was part of her treatment team in the hospital and her ongoing provider at Carolina Pines Medical Group Primary Care, I was able to ensure a seamless transition back home, closely monitoring her progress through follow-up visits and helping her regain her strength."

Dr. Areephanthu - better known as Dr. A - also emphasizes how CPRMC’s hybrid model enhances patient care. In this unique approach, many primary care providers at Carolina Pines Medical Group also serve as hospitalists at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, ensuring seamless care between the hospital and the clinic. “This means the same doctor who cares for you in the hospital can continue your treatment in our office,” Dr. A explains. “That continuity makes a huge difference, especially for serious conditions like sepsis, where recovery extends well beyond discharge. Knowing our patients’ full medical history helps us provide more personalized, long-term care.” 

Felicia’s experience changed her outlook on health forever. “I take things more seriously now,” she admits. “I don’t ignore symptoms anymore. I’m quicker to go to the doctor instead of being passive about my health.”

Before her ordeal, Felicia had heard of sepsis but never realized how fast and deadly it could be. Now, she urges others to be aware of the warning signs:

• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Fever, chills, or very low body temperature
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rapid heart rate or low blood pressure
• Severe pain or discomfort

“Sepsis is so common and truly life-threatening,” she warns. “If you feel like there’s even a slight chance something is wrong, don’t wait. Get to the hospital quickly - it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

In November 2024, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first hospital in South Carolina to earn The Sepsis Certification from The Joint Commission. This prestigious recognition underscores CPRMC’s commitment to providing exceptional, life-saving care for patients facing sepsis. The certification reflects the hospital’s dedication to improving patient outcomes through rapid diagnosis, timely intervention, and comprehensive education.

"Sepsis is the number one cause of death in U.S. hospitals, taking more lives globally each year than cancer – close to 11 million actually," said Faith Kelley, Sepsis Coordinator at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. "Leading the effort to achieve this certification was an incredible journey, and it’s a reflection of our team’s dedication to identifying sepsis early, treating it fast, and ultimately saving lives. We’re proud to set the standard for sepsis care in South Carolina."

Felicia’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and treatment are essential. By continuing to lead in sepsis care, CPRMC remains steadfast in its mission to provide life-saving treatment when it matters most. Through survivors like Felicia, the message is clear: awareness saves lives.

If you suspect you're experiencing sepsis or any other health emergency, proceed to the CPRMC Emergency Room immediately.