Acute Care / Deterioration

NEWS2 Clinical Calculator

National Early Warning Score 2 for adults with acute illness — enter the seven observations for a total score, risk band, and suggested escalation.

Patient observations

Respiratory rate

breaths per minute

—

SpO₂ scale

Scale 2 only under qualified-clinician direction

—

Oxygen saturation

percent

—

Breathing air or receiving oxygen?

Supplemental oxygen adds 2 points

Systolic blood pressure

mmHg; systolic value only

—

Pulse

beats per minute

—

Consciousness

New confusion, voice, pain, or unresponsiveness scores 3

Temperature

°C

—

Clinical notes

Result

—

Total NEWS2 score

Enter all observations to calculate.

Respiratory rate—

Oxygen saturation (Scale 1)—

Air or supplemental oxygen0

Systolic blood pressure—

Pulse—

Consciousness0

Temperature—

NEWS2 supports — it does not replace — clinical judgment. Escalate whenever the patient appears seriously unwell, regardless of score.

Thresholds and triggers

0–4 · Low

Ward-based response

Any single parameter = 3 · Low–medium

Urgent ward-based review

5–6 · Medium

Urgent clinical response

≥ 7 · High

Urgent or emergency response with critical-care skills

SpO₂ Scale 2: use only when a qualified clinician has prescribed a target saturation of 88–92%, such as for some patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Limitations: NEWS2 was designed for adults and is not a stand-alone diagnostic test. It does not identify the cause of deterioration, must not delay emergency treatment, and may be inappropriate in children, pregnancy, or settings with a different local escalation policy. Follow institutional policy and reassess trends.

Scoring logic based on Royal College of Physicians NEWS2 charts (2017; observation chart updated 2022). Educational and clinical decision-support use only.