How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- GCS falling or under 9
- New focal weakness or facial droop
- Glucose under 4
- Head injury on anticoagulants
Ask on the phone
- GCS or ACVPU now and what's normal for them?
- Glucose? New drugs (opioids, sedatives)?
- Any fall or head injury?
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
- Capillary glucose; full obs; keep them safe.
- Don't sedate before you've assessed them.
Call your senior if
- GCS 8 or less, falling GCS, new focal signs (stroke call), or seizure.
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.