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
Seek emergency help for:
New or severe trouble breathing
Noisy, high-pitched breathing
Blue or grey lips or skin
Rapidly increasing neck or throat swelling
Inability to swallow saliva
Severe chest pain, fainting, or confusion
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
Contact your healthcare team promptly for persistent or worsening hoarseness, painful swallowing, fever, increasing cough, blood in your saliva, or possible dental damage.
If you are in hospital, immediately tell staff about breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, severe throat pain, or a feeling that the tube has moved.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Endotracheal intubation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.