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 now if:
You are vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
Bleeding is heavy, continuous, or includes large clots
You faint, feel confused, or cannot stand because of dizziness
You have breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin, or marked weakness
Bleeding occurs with severe or sudden abdominal pain
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
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 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 care for black, tarry stool; dark red stool; bloody diarrhoea; or repeated visible bleeding, even if you otherwise feel well.
You should also seek prompt advice if you take a blood thinner or have liver disease.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment for a small amount of bleeding that has stopped, unless a clinician has already assessed the same recurring pattern and given you a plan.
Arrange follow-up for unexplained tiredness, anaemia, persistent bowel changes, unplanned weight loss, or a positive stool blood test.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gastrointestinal bleeding. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.