Paediatric Sepsis Risk Assessment Reference Card – Under 5s | NICE NG254

Stay prepared with this pocket-sized Paediatric Suspected Sepsis Risk Assessment Flashcard, updated in line with NICE NG254 (November 2025) guidance.

Designed as a quick-reference and revision aid for students and healthcare professionals, this double-sided card summarises the high-risk and moderate-to-high-risk criteria for suspected sepsis in children under 5, together with age-specific respiratory rate and heart rate thresholds.

The card uses clear colour-coded risk categories to help quickly identify important clinical features. It also provides concise prompts for escalation, clinical assessment and safety-netting, including specific guidance where a child is immunocompromised.

Key Features:

• Updated with reference to NICE NG254 (November 2025)
• High-risk criteria for suspected sepsis in children under 5
• Moderate-to-high-risk criteria
• Age-specific respiratory rate thresholds for children <1, 1–2 and 3–4 years
• Age-specific heart rate thresholds
• Highlights high-risk bradycardia in children under 5
• Includes key SpO₂, temperature, capillary refill and clinical presentation criteria
• Emergency referral and pre-alert prompts for high-risk presentations
• Highlights escalation where an immunocompromised child meets moderate-to-high-risk criteria
• Low-risk reminder and safety-netting prompt
• Encourages clinical judgement and assessment of the whole child
• Compact double-sided clinical reference for study, placement and workplace use

Card Details:

• Conforms to ISO-7810 standards for size and quality
• Dimensions: 54 mm x 86 mm – approximately the same size and thickness as a standard bank card
• Includes a 1.5 cm punched hole for easy attachment to a badge holder, reel or lanyard (lanyard not included)
• Made from 100% plastic with a protective overlay for enhanced durability
• Designed and produced by Star Resources

Ideal For:

• Student paramedics and paramedics
• ECAs and ambulance clinicians
• Student nurses and nurses
• Paediatric healthcare students
• Emergency and urgent care staff
• Healthcare professionals involved in recognising and assessing suspected sepsis
• Clinical revision, placements and workplace reference

Important:

This card is a concise educational reference based on NICE NG254 (November 2025) and does not reproduce the complete guideline. Clinical judgement should always be used and the whole child assessed. Always follow current local and organisational policies, escalation procedures and clinical guidelines.

Disclaimer:

Every effort has been made to ensure the content of these flashcards is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. The information is provided for educational and quick-reference purposes only and is not a substitute for appropriate medical training, clinical assessment or professional judgement. Clinical guidelines, local protocols and organisational policies may vary and may be updated. Users should always refer to current NICE guidance and their organisation's current policies and procedures.

Copyright:

These flashcards are for personal use only. By purchasing these cards, you agree not to reproduce or post copies online, distribute the content to others, alter the images or text, or reproduce the cards for resale or other commercial use. Artwork and original card design © Star Resources.