Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if:
Bleeding is heavy or does not stop
The toilet water turns red or you pass large clots
You feel faint, confused, very weak, or short of breath
You have cold, pale, or clammy skin with bleeding
Bleeding follows a serious injury
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
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 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
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if your stool is black and sticky, the blood is dark red, or you have bloody diarrhoea.
Also seek prompt help if bleeding occurs with severe abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, or worsening weakness.
If you take a blood thinner, seek prompt advice about ongoing bleeding or more than a small trace of blood.
Do not change the medicine yourself.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if bleeding is unexplained, keeps returning, or lasts about three weeks.
Also arrange an appointment for lasting bowel changes, pain or a lump around the anus, weight loss, or unusual tiredness, which can be a sign of anaemia.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bleeding from the bottom. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.