Sepsis Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Responding Safely

Sepsis Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Responding Safely provides practical learning for anyone working in health and social care who may encounter a person with an infection or signs of clinical deterioration.

The course explains what sepsis is, how it differs from an uncomplicated infection, and why early recognition of deterioration is important. Learners explore common and less obvious signs, including changes in behaviour, confusion, mobility, appetite, breathing and general wellbeing.

Particular attention is given to older people and other vulnerable individuals who may present with atypical signs. The course also introduces the importance of knowing an individual's normal baseline and recognising meaningful changes over time.

Learners will understand how to respond appropriately when deterioration is suspected. This includes escalating concerns, communicating objective observations, documenting relevant information and avoiding assumptions or delays.

The course also introduces the role of observations and NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score 2) as a structured approach used by healthcare professionals to recognise acute deterioration. NEWS2 supports clinical assessment but does not diagnose sepsis.

This training is designed to improve awareness and support safer escalation. It does not replace professional clinical assessment, local policies, emergency procedures or medical advice.

Module 1: Understanding Sepsis and Infection

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define sepsis and explain why it is a life-threatening condition.

• Explain the difference between an infection and sepsis.

• Describe how infection can progress to systemic illness.

• Understand the importance of early recognition and response.

• Recognise that sepsis may occur without a high temperature.

Module 2: Identifying Risk Factors and Changes from Baseline

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify common risk factors associated with sepsis.

• Recognise people who may require increased observation.

• Explain the importance of knowing an individual's normal baseline.

• Identify changes in appetite, mobility, alertness and behaviour.

• Understand that risk factors do not confirm a diagnosis of sepsis.

Module 3: Recognising Soft Signs and Early Deterioration

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Define and recognise the "soft signs" of deterioration.

• Identify new confusion, unusual tiredness and reduced mobility.

• Recognise changes in appetite, behaviour and general wellbeing.

• Understand why trends and changes from baseline are important.

• Describe observations using clear and objective information.

Module 4: Recognising Sepsis Red Flags

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Identify important red flags associated with serious deterioration.

• Recognise concerning changes in breathing and consciousness.

• Identify signs such as severe weakness and reduced urine output.

• Recognise potential circulatory and skin changes.

• Understand when deterioration requires urgent escalation.

Module 5: NEWS2, Escalation and Communication

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of NEWS2 in recognising clinical deterioration.

• Identify the key physiological observations used in NEWS2.

• Understand that NEWS2 supports assessment but does not diagnose sepsis.

• Explain when and how concerns should be escalated.

• Communicate changes objectively without attempting to make a diagnosis.

Module 6: Responding Safely, Documentation and Review

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

• Apply sepsis awareness principles to practical care situations.

• Describe appropriate responses to suspected deterioration.

• Follow relevant workplace escalation procedures.

• Record and communicate observations accurately.

• Understand the importance of recognising, responding, escalating, communicating and documenting concerns.