A fascinating and inspiring new two-part documentary has recently started on BBC 2, following the exploits of Frank Gardner, the BBC’s security correspondent, in his attempt to travel to Papua, New Guinea, in order to observe exotic birds of paradise in the wild.
However, his bid to realise his childhood dream came close to ending his life, it has been revealed in the press this week.
In 2004, Frank Gardner was shot by terrorists whilst reporting from Saudi Arabia and has needed to use a wheelchair ever since. Faced with travelling through inhospitable jungle terrain to reach the territory of the extraordinary birds of paradise, Frank’s team of helpers constructed a wooden chair which they could carry on their shoulders.
Initially it seemed to be a perfect solution, enabling Frank to access regions otherwise prohibited to him. However, he fairly soon acquired pressure sores and, in fear of developing sepsis, had to be urgently airlifted to Australia for treatment.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body over-reacts to the spread of infection, causing widespread swelling, leading to blood-poisoning, septic shock and death. Approximately 40,000 people die from sepsis in the UK each year. Someone suffering from sepsis needs to be put on intravenous, broad-spectrum antibiotics immediately and given life-support whilst their body fights off the illness.
There are key signs that sepsis is present – chills, laboured breathing, mottled skin, nausea and vomiting – that should alert medical practitioners and prompt them to initiate an immediate response.
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