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
Seek emergency care if:
Blood is spurting or rapidly soaking through dressings
Bleeding continues despite firm, steady pressure
You feel faint, confused, very weak, or short of breath
A surgical wound opens widely or tissue is protruding
Clear or pink watery fluid drains from the nose or ear after a head injury
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
Contact your surgical team or seek same-day medical advice if drainage suddenly increases, becomes bright red, or returns after it had stopped.
You should also get prompt advice for fever, spreading redness, increasing warmth, worsening pain, swelling, a bad smell, pus-like fluid, or wound edges pulling apart.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if unexplained drainage keeps returning, a wound is slow to heal, or fluid comes from a body opening without a known reason.
People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment because wounds can be harder to heal.
The article also says
Apply firm pressure to active external bleeding with clean gauze or cloth while arranging help.
Do not remove an object embedded in a wound.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Serosanguineous. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.