NEWS2 Calculator
What is NEWS2 Calculator
NEWS2, the National Early Warning Score 2, turns routine vital signs into a single number that flags clinical deterioration in acutely ill adults. It scores respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, use of supplemental oxygen, systolic blood pressure, pulse, level of consciousness and temperature, then sums them. A higher total, or any single parameter scoring 3, triggers a defined clinical response.
How to use
- Enter respiratory rate, SpO₂, systolic blood pressure, pulse and temperature.
- Tick the box if the patient is on supplemental oxygen.
- Choose alert or new confusion / V, P, U for consciousness.
- Read the NEWS2 total and its clinical response band.
When to use it
A ward patient is looking off and you want an objective trigger for escalation? Enter a respiratory rate of 22, SpO₂ of 93 on oxygen, and a pulse of 115, and the total lands in the medium band that calls for an urgent review. It standardises when to call for help and makes handovers about deteriorating patients clearer.
Frequently asked questions
What NEWS2 total triggers escalation?
Broadly, a total of 0 to 4 is low risk, a single parameter scoring 3 is low to medium and prompts urgent review, 5 to 6 is medium and prompts an urgent response, and 7 or more is high and prompts an emergency response. Always follow your local chart.
What is the difference between Scale 1 and Scale 2?
SpO₂ Scale 1 is the default. Scale 2 is used only for patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure who have a target saturation of 88 to 92 percent. This tool uses Scale 1.
Why does oxygen add points?
Needing supplemental oxygen to maintain saturation is itself a marker of severity, so NEWS2 adds 2 points when a patient is on oxygen, separate from the SpO₂ score.
Can I share this tool with my inputs pre-filled?
Yes. The URL updates automatically as you type. Copy it from the address bar or use the Copy link button, and anyone who opens the link will see your exact inputs ready to go.
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