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
Go to an emergency department or call your local emergency number if someone has:
Vomit containing blood or material like coffee grounds
Sudden, severe abdominal pain or a hard, swollen abdomen
Green vomit with severe pain or inability to pass stool or wind
Fainting, severe confusion, difficulty waking or breathing problems
Suspected poisoning or swallowing of a harmful substance
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
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down or have significant dehydration.
Also get prompt advice for bloody diarrhoea, high fever with marked illness, worsening pain, or vomiting with a severe headache and stiff neck.
Babies, frail older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems may need assessment sooner.
Seek advice about reduced feeding or wet nappies in a baby.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if vomiting lasts longer than two days, diarrhoea lasts longer than seven days, or symptoms keep returning.
Ongoing weight loss, night-time diarrhoea or a lasting change in bowel habits also needs review.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diarrhoea and vomiting. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.