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 for:
Severe difficulty breathing or struggling for each breath
Blue, grey, or unusually pale lips or skin
Long pauses in breathing, collapse, or inability to wake normally
Choking with an inability to breathe, cough, or make sound
These concerns are not always emergencies, but they should not be left until the next distant review.
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
Seek urgent medical assessment for new or worsening noisy breathing, repeated breathing pauses during sleep, difficulty feeding, signs of dehydration, or unusual sleepiness.
A baby who cannot feed without coughing, choking, or becoming breathless also needs prompt assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up if you notice reduced hearing, new loud snoring, daytime tiredness, speech difficulties, persistent eye irritation, dental problems, or poor fit or function of a hearing device.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on TCS. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.