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Warning-sign checks

Crush injury: 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 after major compression, prolonged entrapment, a building or machinery incident, or a high-force collision.

    Emergency help is also needed for:

    • Heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
    • Severe or rapidly increasing pain
    • A tense, rapidly swelling limb
    • New numbness, weakness, or inability to move
    • Pale, blue, or cold skin below the injury
    • Trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, or collapse
    • A fast or irregular heartbeat after a significant crush injury
    • Dark brown urine or very little urine after major muscle injury

    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

    Do not wait for all these signs to appear.

    Compartment syndrome and crush syndrome can develop while the skin still looks relatively normal.

    Seek prompt same-day advice for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, worsening swelling, or pain that begins to increase after improving.

    These may indicate infection or another complication.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is important for wound checks, dressing changes, fracture care, rehabilitation, and monitoring of kidney function or sensation.

    Bring forward a planned review if recovery stalls or movement, swelling, numbness, or pain is getting worse.

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