How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- Sats below target, RR 25+, can't complete sentences
- Stridor or wheeze with drowsiness
- Chest pain or low BP
Ask on the phone
- Obs including sats and oxygen; how fast did it start?
- Fluid balance and IV fluids running?
- Known asthma, COPD or heart failure?
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
- Sit up; oxygen to target; pause IV fluids if overloaded.
- ECG; blood gas kit ready; portable CXR if available.
Call your senior if
- Not reaching target sats, rising CO₂ or exhaustion.
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.