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 after facial trauma if there is:
Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, choking, or rapidly increasing swelling
Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with gentle pressure
Loss of consciousness, a seizure, severe confusion, or difficulty waking
Sudden vision loss or a seriously injured or penetrated eye
Weakness, problems speaking, or other signs of possible brain injury
A suspected neck injury after a strong impact
A large object embedded in the face
If a neck injury is possible, avoid unnecessary movement while waiting for emergency help.
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 same-day assessment for double vision, worsening eye pain, repeated vomiting, a changed bite, inability to open the mouth, loose or missing adult teeth, facial numbness, a deep or contaminated wound, or clear watery fluid from the nose or ear.
Painful blockage inside the nose after an injury also needs urgent assessment.
A knocked-out adult tooth requires urgent dental care.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange follow-up for improving swelling or bruising, wound or stitch review when advised, and reassessment of a crooked nose after swelling decreases.
Seek earlier help if pain, redness, discharge, fever, vision, breathing, or jaw movement worsens.
The article also says
Do not press directly on an injured eye or remove an embedded object.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Facial trauma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.