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Warning-sign checks

Breathing difficulties - first aid: 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 your local emergency number now if the person:

    • Is unable to speak in full sentences because of breathlessness
    • Has blue, grey, or very pale lips, tongue, or skin
    • Is confused, very drowsy, faint, or unresponsive
    • Has severe chest pain or pressure
    • Is choking or has swelling of the tongue or throat
    • Is not breathing normally or is only gasping
    • Is getting worse quickly or is not improving with prescribed emergency medicine

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • 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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek care sooner if symptoms are worsening.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up for a first unexplained episode, recurring breathlessness, reduced ability to do usual activities, or increased need for prescribed reliever treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is more tired or breathless than usual doing things they used to manage

The article also says

For an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally, start CPR after calling for help.

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