Sepsis accounts for more than 1 million annual childhood deaths globally. In Australia, more than 50 children die each year from this disease, and many children that survive contend with long-term disabilities. Indigenous children are particularly vulnerable.

Queensland is implementing a Statewide Paediatric Sepsis Collaborative which mandates sepsis treatment packages. To this point, the evidence for sepsis treatment other than antibiotics is limited.

This study is one of the largest randomized-controlled trials on early resuscitation of children with sepsis, and will test two interventions with the greatest promise to improve patient outcomes. The study will capture functional outcomes and quality of life, consumer engagement, and sepsis-related costs.