The national paediatric vital sign charts and guidance supports teams to implement a nationally consistent paediatric early warning system (PEWS). It sets out the aim of the system, components to be implemented, available support and recommended activities during the preparation, implementation and sustain periods.
If you have any queries about these resources, please email PEWS@hqsc.govt.nz.
More information about PEWS can be found at the links at the bottom of this page.
Recognition: supporting tools and guidance
Paediatric vital signs chart user guide (PDF 2.4MB)
Paediatric vital sign chart quick reference guide
Paediatric vital signs chart: 0–11 months (PDF 621KB)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 1–4 years (PDF 676KB)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 5–11 years (PDF 1.6MB)
Paediatric vital signs chart: 12 years (PDF 1.6MB)
Escalation mapping tool (DOCX 128KB)
PEWS and paediatric vital signs chart FAQs (DOCX 193KB)
Short stay chart: 0–11 months (PDF 593KB)
Short stay chart: 1–4 years (PDF 628KB)
Clinical governance
Education
Factsheet clinical communication tool (DOCX 106KB)
Factsheet senior clinicians (DOCX 107KB)
Education powerpoint (PPTX 20MB)
Guide to recording blood pressure in acutely unwell tamariki
Free e-learning module
The Commission has developed a free e-learning module about the use of the national paediatric vital signs charts and PEWS. It is designed for health professionals who care for tamariki in hospital. The module is available through the Ko Awatea platform (first-time users will need to create a login). The module will take up to 45 minutes to work through.
Video
Video: How to take blood pressure accurately in unwell children
The Commission has produced a video to support staff to routinely measure blood pressure. It will be useful for doctors and nurses working in settings where acutely unwell children are assessed. It is also useful for undergraduate nursing and medical students, nurse educators and nurses and doctors who are unfamiliar with paediatric patients.
