How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- Low BP or tachycardic
- Rigid abdomen
- Vomiting blood or melaena
- Could be pregnant
Ask on the phone
- Where, since when, how bad?
- Vomiting, bowels opened, passing wind?
- Post-op? On anticoagulants?
Every bleep: the basics
- Name, ward, bed, age, why they're in hospital.
- Full set of obs and the NEWS2 score — and what it was before.
- Resuscitation status (DNACPR / ReSPECT) and ceiling of care.
Ask the nurse to start
- Analgesia per chart; nil by mouth until seen.
- Full obs, urine dip, pregnancy test if relevant; bladder scan.
Call your senior if
- Peritonism, shock, suspected obstruction, ischaemia, AAA or bleed.
When you get there
For healthcare professionals, as an aid to clinical judgement — not a substitute for it. Follow your local policy and ask a senior when in doubt.