How fast
Within 1–2 hours
Add to your jobs list; go now if a red flag applies.
Go now if
- Vomiting blood or coffee grounds
- Distended abdomen, not opening bowels
- Drowsy or severe headache
Ask on the phone
- How many times? Any blood?
- Bowels? Abdominal pain?
- Diabetic (check ketones)? New drugs?
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
- Give the prescribed antiemetic if none given yet.
- Fluid balance; capillary glucose (and ketones if diabetic).
Call your senior if
- Haematemesis, obstruction, or DKA.
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.