In 2004, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and 10 other health care organizations sponsored the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines.1 The SSC represents the first major international effort to reduce sepsis-related mortality. The campaign has proven to be highly controversial and has been greeted with both high praise and sharp criticism. In 2008, these guidelines were revised.2 This article is part 1 of a 2-part series, summarizing and providing analysis of key aspects of the 2008 SSC. Part 1 will discuss controversial issues surrounding the campaign and examine the recommendations for initial resuscitation, antibiotic, as well as vasopressor therapy.
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