28th May 2025

A 20-year-old woman attends the A&E with left-sided abdominal pain

A 20-year-old woman attends the A&E with left-sided abdominal pain. Whilst waiting to be seen, she collapses in the waiting room. She is promptly brought into the resuscitation bay. Her BP is 87/52 mmHg, HR 134 bpm, temperature 36.8oC, RR 23, and SpO2 98% on 15 L. On examination, the left iliac fossa is tender and she is guarding. Bedside USS shows free fluid within the abdomen and the Pouch of Douglas.

What is the first step of management?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.