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 for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse, unresponsiveness, or a sudden inability to move part of the body.
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
Developmental slowing or loss of a previously learned skill also needs prompt assessment.
Contact the specialist team promptly if planned surgery, dental work requiring sedation or anaesthesia is being considered.
The anaesthesia team needs details of the airway, neck, heart and lungs in advance.
Seek urgent medical help for:
New weakness, numbness or difficulty walking
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe headache with repeated vomiting or unusual drowsiness
Rapidly worsening breathing or marked difficulty staying awake
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical review for new or gradually worsening symptoms such as increased snoring, daytime sleepiness, reduced exercise tolerance, joint pain, changes in walking, hearing difficulty or declining vision.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gargoylism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.