With an increasing number of older people using emergency services, researchers have raised concerns about the quality of care in an environment that is not designed to address older patients’ specific needs and conditions. The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) model was developed to address these issues, and to optimise healthcare delivery to older adults. This article introduces a complementary mnemonic, FRAIL, that refers to important elements of health information to consider before initiating care for older patients – falls/functional decline, reactions, altered mental status, illnesses, and living situation. It is not intended to replace the CGA, but can help to quickly identify high-risk older patients who warrant a more in-depth clinical assessment with CGA.