Arterial stick: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if there is heavy uncontrolled bleeding, severe difficulty breathing, fainting, or a sudden major change in your condition.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical advice if:

   • Bleeding continues despite firm, uninterrupted pressure
   • Swelling around the puncture is rapidly increasing
   • A new pulsating lump develops
   • Your hand becomes unusually painful, weak, numb, pale, or cool
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine concerns, contact your healthcare team if pain, bruising, or swelling is not improving, or if the puncture area becomes increasingly red, warm, or tender.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Arterial stick. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.