When should an ambulance clinician suspect sepsis?

Suspect sepsis when an unwell patient has a history or signs of infection.

Does a normal or low temperature rule out sepsis?

No. Normal or low temperature does not exclude sepsis.

Which observations form the initial face-to-face assessment for suspected sepsis?

Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, level of consciousness and oxygen saturation.

What additional history and examination help identify suspected sepsis and its source?

Check rigors, urine output, recent procedures, baseline changes, infection sources, skin breaks, rashes and colour.

How should a new change in behaviour or mental state affect sepsis assessment?

Treat it as clinically significant; compare with normal function and obtain collateral history where possible.

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Clinical Official deck

Sepsis Recognition and Escalation

Recognition, structured assessment, risk evaluation and escalation for suspected sepsis in people aged 16 and over.

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Q1 When should an ambulance clinician suspect sepsis?: Hint: Begin with possible infection, not a completed sepsis diagnosis.; A Suspect sepsis when an unwell patient has a history or signs of infection.
Q2 Does a normal or low temperature rule out sepsis?: Hint: Some high-risk patients do not mount a fever.; A No. Normal or low temperature does not exclude sepsis.
Q3 Which observations form the initial face-to-face assessment for suspected sepsis?: Hint: Use a complete set rather than one reassuring value.; A Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, level of consciousness and oxygen saturation.
Q4 What additional history and examination help identify suspected sepsis and its source?: Hint: Include family or carers when baseline function is unclear.; A Check rigors, urine output, recent procedures, baseline changes, infection sources, skin breaks, rashes and colour.
Q5 How should a new change in behaviour or mental state affect sepsis assessment?: Hint: Confusion may be subtle or described by carers.; A Treat it as clinically significant; compare with normal function and obtain collateral history where possible.

About this deck

Sepsis Recognition and Escalation is a 12-card flashcard deck covering clinical for paramedic clinical revision. Recognition, structured assessment, risk evaluation and escalation for suspected sepsis in people aged 16 and over.

This deck is part of the official SnapMedic flashcard library, written and maintained by working UK paramedics for student paramedics, newly qualified paramedics (NQPs), and experienced clinicians. All cards work offline once downloaded and use spaced repetition to move information into long-term memory.

Last updated 13 August 2026.

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