How fast
Within 30 minutes
Sooner if anything on the go-now list applies.
Go now if
- HR under 40
- Low BP, syncope, chest pain or breathless
- Pauses on the monitor
Ask on the phone
- Rate and BP; any symptoms?
- On beta-blockers, rate-limiting calcium-channel blockers or digoxin?
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; cardiac monitor; IV access.
- Hold rate-limiting drugs until reviewed.
Call your senior if
- Any life-threatening feature, Mobitz II, complete heart block or pauses over 3 seconds.
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.