What management strategies should I implement for a patient with a GCS score of less than 8 in a primary care setting?

In a primary care setting, if a patient has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of less than 8, immediate referral to an emergency department is recommended to ensure urgent specialist assessment and management NICE NG232.

Ensure early involvement of an appropriately trained clinician for advanced airway management and resuscitation assistance NICE NG232.

Arrange for prompt transfer to a major trauma centre or trauma unit with the necessary resources for further resuscitation, investigation, and initial management NICE NG232.

Make pre-alert calls to the destination emergency department to prepare for imaging and specialist care NICE NG232.

In the community, do not attempt neuroimaging via direct access; instead, ensure rapid transfer to hospital for appropriate assessment NICE NG232.