Zachariasse et al reported the a pediatric early warning score for use in the Emergency Department. The authors are from multiple institutions in Europe.
Patient selection: pediatric patient <= 16 years of age in the Emergency Department
Parameters:
(1) age of the patient in years
(2) decreased consciousness
(3) increased work of breathing
(4) respiratory rate in breaths per minute
(5) SpO2 in percent
(6) heart rate in beats per minute
(7) increased capillary refill time
Parameter
Finding
Points
age
0 to 4 years
0
5 to 11 years
4
12 to 16 years
6
decreased consciousness
no
0
yes
14
increased work of breathing
no
0
yes
12
respiratory rate
< 30 breaths per minute
0
30 to 39 breaths per minute
3
40 to 59 breaths per minute
5
>= 60 breaths per minute
9
SpO2
>= 98%
0
94 to 97%
4
88 to 93%
9
< 88%
15
heart rate
< 100 bpm
0
100 to 139 bpm
3
140 to 179 bpm
6
>= 180 bpm
9
increased capillary refill time
no
0
yes
3
total score =
= SUM(points for all of the parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 68
• A score >= 15 is associated with high triage urgency.
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