On call: the guides

Short, practical answers for FY1s covering wards overnight, from First Night On Call. Clinically reviewed by Dr Nick McIntosh, Emergency Medicine Senior Registrar (ACEM), November 2026.

  1. Your first night on call as an FY1How overnight cover works, what to bring, and the handover you need before your first night on call as an FY1. Clinically reviewed, with a free guide.
  2. How to triage your callsSickest first: how to decide in the first minute whether a call needs you now, soon or when you can, and the six questions to ask the nurse every time.
  3. When to call your registrarFirm triggers for calling your registrar on call, how to make the call with SBAR, and what to do if you’re not happy with the answer.
  4. The morning handoverWhat to hand over after a night on call: sickest patients first, jobs with a time and a trigger, jobs you’ve finished, and a written list. With a checklist.
  5. Looking after yourself on night shiftsFatigue is a safety issue. How junior doctors can eat, rest, get home safely and get support after a hard night, with UK support services.

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Everything on these pages, plus the ten calls you’re most likely to get overnight, in one guide for your phone.