Table 1

Sentinel conditions and example signal functions

Sentinel conditionExample signal functions
Respiratory failure

  • Oxygen administration

  • Relieve obstruction of airway

  • Bag valve mask ventilation

Shock

  • Packing and suturing for control of haemorrhage

  • Peripheral percutaneous venous access

  • Administration of epinephrine for anaphylactic shock

Altered mental status

  • Check and/or administer glucose if required

  • Administer benzodiazepine for seizure

  • Perform lumbar puncture

Severe pain

  • Administer opiate-based analgesia

  • Perform therapeutic paracentesis

  • Perform point of care ultrasound in the EU

Trauma

  • Perform initial appropriate wound care

  • Immobilise fracture (basic)

  • Administer tetanus vaccine and IVI as indicated

Dangerous fever

  • Perform source control with bedside techniques, including abscess and empyema drainage

  • Perform rapid cooling

  • Measure serial lactate

  • EU, emergency unit; IVIG, intravenous immunoglobulin.