A NEW medical screening tool developed by a University of Bolton student to save lives is being used by frontline paramedics.

Advanced Practitioner student Daniel Butterworth has developed the new diagnostic tool to identify sepsis, a potentially fatal condition in which the body’s reaction to infection is to send the immune system into overdrive

This reaction can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, impacting on blood clotting and the blood supply to vital organs, such as the brain and heart.

More than 37,000 UK deaths each year are attributed to sepsis, more than heart attacks and strokes.

Mr Butterworth, aged 36, used his final year project to develop the method, which could have national and international significance.

He worked in collaboration with Salford and Central Manchester Foundation Trusts to look at the case history of 999 calls, tracking the patient journey for each case.

Mr Butterworth said: "I looked at whether the patient was treated for sepsis, and whether we identified it or whether it was identified at hospital.

"I then formulated a pre-hospital screening tool from models existing in hospitals and research reviews and applied that model to 300 cases.

"The screening tool I developed would have picked up sepsis in 90 per cent of cases."

The tool has been used as part of a pilot project where 100 ambulance staff have been trained in its use.

This pilot project means Mr Butterworth and his colleagues are able to give best care possible on the way to hospital and brief the hospital ahead of arrival.

Plans are now to train more staff so the project can be rolled out across the North West.

Mr Butterworth said: "I have found the advanced practice course at Bolton to be really good. The clinical skills aspect and the confidence it has given me in that area have really made a difference for me."

His work has been been selected for an award from the university, recognising its significance for patient care.

Dr Chris Mulryan said: "Daniel is breaking new ground with his project that will undoubtedly have far reaching implications both nationally and internationally."