Speak Up Kid™ - Dr. Susan Roberts: Eyes of Sepsis: A National Campaign for Early Sepsis Recognition

Eyes of Sepsis™

Speak Up Kid™ Classroom & Home Guide

Helping Kids Notice When Something Is Wrong (Sepsis Edition)

Popcorn Theory™ Anchor

• Hold up a popcorn kernel: “This is you. Strong, with everything inside to grow.”
• Add the heat: “When we get sick, it’s like heat. Sometimes we pop back healthy. But if the heat is too
strong and no one notices, the kernel can burn. That’s why speaking up matters.”

Teacher tip: The popcorn is the memory hook. Kids link “heat” with “danger” and “pop” with action.

Signs Something Might Be Wrong (Sepsis Clues)

Kids should learn to notice these warning signs in themselves and in adults like parents or grandparents:

🌡️ Too Hot or Too Cold – Shivering, sweaty, or chilly, even without a fever.
💨 Breathing Too Fast – Breathing hard while sitting still.
💧 No Bathroom / Dark Pee – Very little peeing, or urine looks dark.
😕 Confused or Not Themselves – Trouble thinking, dizzy, or acting strangely.
❤️ Heart Racing – Beating very fast. • 😖 Hurts Everywhere – Aches or pain that don’t make sense.

Classroom Activity: Ask students to match each clue with a gesture (shiver, pant, confused face, etc.).

Speak Up Kid™ Steps

Whisper first

“Could this be sepsis?”

Say it louder

“Something is wrong—please check right now.”

Popcorn reminder

Even small voices can pop into big help.

For Kids at Home

If a parent or grandparent looks confused, shaky, too hot/cold, or isn’t acting normal: Tell another adult right away. Say: “I think something is wrong could it be sepsis?”