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:
Bone is visible or there is a deep wound near the suspected break
Bleeding is heavy or does not stop with firm pressure
The limb is severely deformed
The hand or foot becomes pale, blue, cold, numb, or weak
Pain or tight swelling becomes severe or rapidly worsens
A major accident may have injured the head, neck, spine, pelvis, or thigh
The person is difficult to wake, confused, short of breath, or seriously unwell
While waiting, avoid food or drink in case an urgent procedure is needed, unless emergency staff tell you otherwise.
Do not move someone with a possible neck, spine, or pelvic injury unless they are in immediate danger.
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 prompt medical assessment if an injury causes marked pain, swelling, deformity, or difficulty using a limb or bearing weight.
Being able to move the area does not prove it is not broken.
During recovery, get urgent advice for increasing pain, new numbness, fever, fluid or a bad smell from a wound or cast, or fingers or toes that become cold or change colour.
A damaged, wet, overly tight, or very loose cast also needs review.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is suitable for ongoing stiffness, slow improvement, activity questions, or a bone-health assessment after a low-impact fracture.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fractures. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.