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 trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or sudden severe weakness.
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 healthcare team promptly for increasing pain, new tingling or numbness, skin breakdown, a loose strap, drainage around a pin, fever, or traction equipment that is no longer positioned correctly.
Do not replace weights or adjust ropes yourself.
Seek urgent medical assessment if the affected limb becomes unusually pale, blue, cold, very swollen, or difficult to move.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
These can indicate a serious circulation, blood clot, or neurological problem and are not routine effects of traction.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Traction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.