Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis are critical emergencies in veterinary ECC where a localised inflammatory process can rapidly progress to systemic dysfunction, shock, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).
This ECC-focused webinar explores the pathophysiology of SIRS and sepsis, helping veterinary teams understand how the inflammatory response becomes harmful. Through practical discussion and real-world case examples, participants will learn to recognise subtle signs of patient deterioration, interpret trends, and implement appropriate monitoring, stabilisation strategies, and timely nursing interventions to improve outcomes.
Designed for veterinary professionals in emergency and critical care, this webinar builds confidence in early recognition of deterioration and highlights the vital role of veterinary nurses in sepsis management.
Recorded 5 August 2026
Speaker:
Lauren Kirby
RVN, AVN, Cert IV VN, CertVNECC, VTS(ECC), RECOVER Certified BLS&ALS Instructor
Lauren is an Australian Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with over 15 years of clinical experience, dedicated to the dynamic field of emergency and critical care medicine. An Accredited Veterinary Nurse (AVN), she completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2010 and has since built a career defined by expertise, resilience, and a commitment to advancing veterinary care.
Her journey began in veterinary ophthalmology, but in 2015, she discovered her true calling in emergency and critical care. Since then, she has worked in private and academic specialty referral hospitals, navigating the high-stakes world of emergency medicine with skill and compassion. She has a particular passion for ventilators and respiratory medicine, compromised renal patients, alongside critically ill septic patients, where her technical expertise, compassionate care, and attention to detail make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes.
As a RECOVER CPR-certified instructor in Basic and Advanced Life Support, Lauren is dedicated to improving veterinary standards through advanced, evidence-based resuscitation training. Her commitment to professional growth earned her a Certificate in Veterinary Nursing for Emergency and Critical Care (CertVNECC) in 2017. In 2022, she achieved one of the highest honours in her field by passing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) board exam in Emergency and Critical Care, securing her place among the elite members of the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN).
Beyond the clinic, Lauren is a passionate educator, driven by the belief that knowledge should be shared. Lauren is a veterinary educator and trainer who lectures, tutors, and leads immersive simulation sessions nationally and internationally. She is dedicated to advancing clinical skills, elevating patient care, and inspiring both current and future generations of veterinary nurses.
