Infections that reach the blood stream (sepsis) can lead to dangerously low blood pressure (septic shock). Low blood pressure can be improved with fluids through a drip (intravenous fluids) or medications that increase the blood pressure (vasopressors). From research so far, what the best approach for emergency patients with sepsis and hypotension is unclear. Individual clinicians have a varied approach to when and how much fluids and vasopressors they give.

Insight into what really happens to treat septic shock is important to inform large clinical trials. The ARISE FLUIDS study is an international study that will describe current practice of fluid and vasopressor use in sepsis in 71 Australian and New Zealand hospitals.