Inspection: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness on one side, or another rapidly developing serious symptom.

   These symptoms are not expected effects of inspection and may relate to the condition being assessed.

   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

   Seek prompt medical advice if an examined area develops rapidly increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, discharge, or bleeding.

   Also contact the team if a dressing comes off unexpectedly or a medical device changes position.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Contact your healthcare team routinely if you have questions about the findings, follow-up plan, wound care, or pending test results.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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