Arrange emergency medical transfer to hospital by telephoning 999 without delay NICE CKS.
Do not delay transfer to hospital to give antibiotics to children with suspected or strongly suspected bacterial meningitis NICE CKS.
If there is likely to be a clinically significant delay in transfer, give intravenous or intramuscular ceftriaxone or benzylpenicillin outside of hospital NICE CKS.
In children with suspected bacterial meningitis, give a single dose of parenteral benzylpenicillin (intravenously or intramuscularly) according to age: 300 mg for 1-11 months, 600 mg for 1-9 years, and 1200 mg for 10 years or over NICE CKS.
Alternatively, administer a single dose of ceftriaxone intravenously or intramuscularly, with doses based on age and weight: children aged 1 month–11 years (up to 50 kg) receive 80 mg/kg (max 2000 mg), children 9–11 years (≥50 kg) and adults/children 12 years or over receive 2000 mg NICE CKS.
Do not give antibiotics if the child has a severe allergy to ceftriaxone or benzylpenicillin NICE CKS.