Between the Flags, a system designed to detect signs of patient deterioration, will be phased in progressively across the State.

“Between the Flags uses the analogy of Surf Life Saving Australia’s lifeguards and lifesavers, who mark out safe zones on the beach, observe swimmers closely and prevent them getting into danger,” State health minister Carmel Tebbutt said.

“Importantly, they also rescue them if anything goes wrong. In a hospital setting, the frontline clinical staff are the lifeguards – on duty to save lives. They know when a patient is ‘between the flags’ by observing vital signs and clinical condition.”

A specifically designed Standard Observation Chart is central to the program and notes the sensitive indicators of clinical deterioration.

As well as checking blood pressure, pulse and temperature, it measures breathing rate as a standard observation.

“Observation charts have coloured zones, yellow and red, which trigger a call for help – or early (yellow) or late (red) signs of deterioration. They also help staff when calling for a clinical review and a Rapid Response Team,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“These colours reflect the iconic flags which all Australians’ trust.”