SEPSIS Telephone Signposting Toolkit

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection.

Call 999

Refer to surgery Sepsis protocol.

If in doubt regarding a possible sepsis diagnosis speak with a clinician for advice as soon as possible.


Symptoms: baby or young child

Symptoms: baby or young child

  • blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
  • a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis.
  • difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast.
  • a weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry.
  • not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities.
  • being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake.

They may not have all these symptoms


Symptoms: adult or older child

Symptoms: adult or older child

Call 999 if

  • acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
  • blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
  • a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis.
  • difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast.