Hemodialysis access procedures: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for bleeding that does not stop with firm direct pressure, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or a catheter that has come out.

   If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure with clean gauze while help is arranged.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your dialysis or access team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, swelling, fever, worsening pain, loss or weakening of the access vibration, or bleeding that takes longer than usual to stop.

   Seek urgent medical care if your hand becomes cold, pale, blue, very painful, weak, or numb.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine questions about dressings, bathing, work, or when the access can be used can usually wait for the dialysis unit or scheduled follow-up visit.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hemodialysis access procedures. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.