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
These concerns need timely assessment but are not automatically emergencies.
Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, choking with inability to breathe or clear the airway, or marked difficulty waking.
Emergency assessment is also needed for a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, or a first seizure.
Follow any individual emergency plan provided by the person's care team.
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 the regular care team promptly for new or worsening symptoms, including:
More falls, weakness, pain, or difficulty with transfers
Coughing during meals or a change in swallowing
Weight loss, dehydration, or longer mealtimes
Morning headaches, poor sleep, or unusual daytime sleepiness
New vision, hearing, speech, or behaviour changes
Equipment that no longer fits or causes skin pressure
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on GAN. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.