How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- NEWS2 5 or more, or any single parameter scoring 3
- Neutropenic or on chemotherapy
- Low BP, new confusion
Ask on the phone
- Temperature and the rest of the obs; trend?
- Source: cough, urine, wound, line, abdomen?
- Chemotherapy, immunosuppressed, neutropenic? Already on antibiotics?
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
- Blood cultures before antibiotics (don't delay antibiotics to get them).
- Paracetamol; repeat obs; fluid balance.
Call your senior if
- Suspected sepsis with high risk criteria, or neutropenic sepsis.
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.