Calling 2222: Cardiac Arrest & Medical Emergency — Step by Step
When seconds count and your mind goes blank — exactly what to do, what to say, and how to help until the team arrives.
“Never hesitate to call for help. Nobody in an NHS hospital has ever been criticised for putting out an emergency call in good faith when a patient was deteriorating.”
— Resuscitation Council UK Practice Principle
You walk into the room. They’re unresponsive. Breathing is strange — or gone. Your heart races. Your mind goes quiet. Every student nurse faces this fear at some point. The difference between panic and purpose is knowing exactly what comes next.
1. The First 10 Seconds — Before You Dial
Do these things in this exact order. No hesitation.
- Shout for help & pull the buzzer: “HELP — EMERGENCY IN BAY 2!” Pull the red emergency cord. Get eyes on you immediately.
- Check them: Shoulder shake: “Are you alright?” Open airway. Look, listen, feel for breathing — no more than 10 seconds. Feel for a pulse at the same time.
- Delegate or dial: If someone arrives: “Call 2222 — Cardiac Arrest, Bay 2 Bed 4 — bring the crash trolley!” If you’re alone — go straight to the landline.
2. Which Call Do I Make?
2222 connects you to the switchboard. What you say decides which team comes. They are not the same — and getting it right matters.
🚨 Cardiac Arrest Call
When: Unresponsive + not breathing normally (gasping/snoring counts as NOT normal) + no pulse
Who arrives: Resus team — ICU, anaesthetist, med reg, resus officer, ward lead
⚠️ Medical Emergency / MET Call
When: Conscious but critically unwell — NEWS2 ≥7, dropping GCS, severe breathing difficulty, plummeting BP
Who arrives: Critical Care Outreach, medical registrar, on-call team
3. What to Say — Exact Scripts
Pick up. Dial 2222. Breathe. Speak clearly. Give four things: Call Type · Hospital · Ward · Exact Location.
📞 SAY THIS — WORD FOR WORD
Cardiac Arrest
“Switchboard — I need to put out an Adult Cardiac Arrest Call at [Hospital Name], [Ward Name], Bay 2, Bed 4.”
Medical Emergency
“Switchboard — I need to put out a Medical Emergency Call at [Hospital Name], [Ward Name], Side Room 3.”
Listen to them repeat the location back. Only hang up when it’s correct.
4. While You Wait — Every Second Counts
The team takes 60–180 seconds. Here’s what you do in those minutes:
- Cardiac Arrest? Bed flat. CPR board in. Start compressions — hard and fast (100–120/min). Attach defib pads as soon as it arrives.
- Medical Emergency? High-flow oxygen 15L via non-rebreathe mask. Position comfortably — usually sitting up. Keep airway clear.
- Send someone to the door: Hold main doors open. Guide the team straight there — every delay matters.
- Clear the space: Pull curtains back. Move furniture. Turn suction on. Have notes and drug chart ready at the bedside.
5. When They Arrive — Your Role & Handover
The room fills. It gets loud. It feels overwhelming. But you are not in the way — you are the person who knows this patient best. Here’s how to help:
Deliver a Quick SBAR
The team leader will ask: “Who knows this patient?” Keep it brief — 30 seconds:
Background: Usually mobile, no known allergies.
Assessment: NEWS2 rose to 8 — unresponsive 3 mins ago.
Recommendation: CPR started at 14:03.”
Your Valuable Roles as a Student
- Doing compressions — 2-minute rotations
- Running for equipment — fluids, bloods, extra kit
- Supporting family — guiding them to a quiet room
- Observing and learning — this is where real experience grows
6. Afterwards — Looking After Yourself
When it’s over — whether they recover or not — the adrenaline crash hits hard. Your hands shake. You feel exhausted. That is normal. You did something brave and vital.
- Join the debrief: The team will pause briefly. Ask questions. It’s how we all learn.
- Step off the floor: Tea. 10 minutes with your mentor. Talk it through. Write it down for your portfolio.
- Be proud: You recognised it. You called it. You gave them the best chance. That is safe, compassionate nursing.
📚 References & Guidance
- Resuscitation Council UK: Advanced Life Support & Emergency Recognition
- NMC Code: Duty of Candour, Patient Safety & Raising Concerns
- NHS England: Medical Emergency Response Teams (MET) — Standards
- Local Trust Resuscitation & Emergency Policies — always follow your hospital protocol
← SBAR — Speak Up With Confidence
Exactly how to structure handovers and escalate concerns clearly
The Panic Zone — All Guides →
Quick answers for when you need them right now on shift
Published by TheStudentNurse.co.uk — Real Ward Life, No Sugarcoating.