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 ¹.

Ensure early involvement of an appropriately trained clinician for advanced airway management and resuscitation assistance ¹.

Arrange for prompt transfer to a major trauma centre or trauma unit with the necessary resources for further resuscitation, investigation, and initial management ¹.

Make pre-alert calls to the destination emergency department to prepare for imaging and specialist care ¹.

In the community, do not attempt neuroimaging via direct access; instead, ensure rapid transfer to hospital for appropriate assessment ¹.