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 if the child:
Is difficult to wake, confused, or unusually floppy
Has trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly
Has pale, blue, blotchy, or unusually cold skin
Develops rapidly worsening pain, swelling, or illness
Has a seizure or collapses
Shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty
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
Arrange urgent medical assessment the same day if a child has unexplained bone or joint pain with fever, cannot put weight on a leg, stops using an arm, or has increasing swelling and tenderness.
Young babies with fever, unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, or reduced limb movement need prompt assessment even when there is no visible swelling.
Seek urgent advice during treatment if symptoms are not improving as expected, fever returns, pain worsens, or antibiotic doses cannot be kept down.
A spreading rash or persistent diarrhoea also needs medical advice.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up remains important even when recovery is going well.
It helps confirm that movement is returning, the medicine has been completed, and there are no signs of growth or bone problems.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Osteomyelitis in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.