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Warning-sign checks

Bleeding: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for bleeding that is heavy, spurting, or does not stop with firm, continuous pressure.

    Get emergency help if bleeding occurs with fainting, confusion, severe weakness, breathing trouble, chest pain, or pale, cool, clammy skin.

    Emergency care is also appropriate for:

    • A deep or gaping wound, an amputation, or an embedded object
    • Suspected internal bleeding after a serious injury
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stool with weakness or dizziness
    • Sudden severe headache, confusion, or drowsiness after a head injury
    • Heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, especially with pain or faintness

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    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 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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice for blood in urine, coughing up blood, repeated vomiting of small amounts of blood, or rectal bleeding beyond a small streak.

    Get prompt advice if you take a blood thinner and develop unusual bleeding or have a significant injury.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if bleeding or bruising keeps returning, has no clear cause, or takes longer than expected to stop.

    Arrange assessment for unusually heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or any vaginal bleeding after menopause.

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