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 after a major blow, penetrating wound, crushing injury, or road collision involving the abdomen, side, or back.
Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, weak, confused, or severely unwell.
Get emergency help for:
Fainting, confusion, pale or clammy skin, or a rapid heartbeat
Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal, back, or side pain
Heavy blood in the urine or blood clots with difficulty urinating
Abdominal swelling after an injury
Little or no urine after significant trauma
A penetrating wound near the abdomen, back, or side
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
If you recently had abdominal, pelvic, or urinary surgery, seek urgent assessment for fever, worsening side or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, reduced urine output, increasing abdominal swelling, or unexpected clear fluid leaking from a wound or the vagina.
Contact your care team sooner if pain returns, urine becomes bloody, you develop burning during urination, or a stent or nephrostomy causes new problems.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for improving discomfort, planned blood pressure or kidney tests, and questions about activity.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Injury - kidney and ureter. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.