Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS)

How to use it

1. 1

   3 domains scored 0–3. Behaviour, cardiovascular, respiratory. No vital sign numbers needed.

2. 2

   Score ≥4. Trigger for immediate escalation or PICU referral.

3. 3

   Hourly in deteriorating child. Serial PEWS documents trend before medical emergency call.

When to use it

All paediatric inpatients

UK NHS: PEWS assessed at minimum 4-hourly in all ward children.

Early sepsis detection

PEWS ≥3 + temperature = early sepsis flag; initiate Sepsis 6 (paediatric adaptation).

Post-operative monitoring

Higher sensitivity than vital signs alone in detecting post-op respiratory complications.