You are on your reg not answering your pager while a patient is unwell. What is the immediate course of action?

You are on your reg not answering your pager while a patient is unwell. What is the immediate course of action?

• A. Ensure patient safety first.
• B. Recognise that these calls might be outside your skill range and require someone at a higher level.
• C. If reg hasn't picked up after a few attempts then escalate to consultant/other senior team members.
• D. Once immediate situation has been dealt with.

Answer: (A)

Focus on patient safety as the first priority. In a deteriorating patient situation, the immediate action is to secure the patient’s safety, address any evident life-threatening issues (for example, ensure an open airway, adequate breathing, and circulation if you’re trained to do so), and establish a safe environment while you summon help. This step prevents harm now and buys time to assess the patient and escalate appropriately. After safety is ensured, you should seek senior support or guidance if the situation is beyond your competence, but delaying safety to think about escalation would risk the patient. The other options describe escalation steps or outcomes that come after the immediate safety needs have been addressed.

Focus on patient safety as the first priority. In a deteriorating patient situation, the immediate action is to secure the patient’s safety, address any evident life-threatening issues (for example, ensure an open airway, adequate breathing, and circulation if you’re trained to do so), and establish a safe environment while you summon help. This step prevents harm now and buys time to assess the patient and escalate appropriately. After safety is ensured, you should seek senior support or guidance if the situation is beyond your competence, but delaying safety to think about escalation would risk the patient. The other options describe escalation steps or outcomes that come after the immediate safety needs have been addressed.