How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- HR over 150
- Chest pain, syncope, low BP or breathless
- Broad complexes on the monitor
Ask on the phone
- Rate, regular or irregular, and BP.
- Chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness?
- Known AF? Fever, pain, bleeding, dehydration?
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
- 12-lead ECG now and show it to you.
- Cardiac monitor; IV access; U&E, Mg²⁺.
Call your senior if
- Any adverse feature (shock, syncope, ischaemia, heart failure) or broad-complex tachycardia.
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.