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Warning-sign checks

Fibrinolysis - primary or secondary: 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 now for:

    • Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with firm pressure
    • Vomiting blood, coughing up blood, or passing black or heavily bloody stools
    • A sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness, fainting, or seizure
    • Significant bleeding after childbirth, surgery, or a major injury
    • Pale or clammy skin, severe breathlessness, a racing heartbeat, or collapse

    These can be signs of major blood loss or internal bleeding.

    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. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice the same day for new blood in the urine, repeated nosebleeds, rapidly increasing bruising, persistent wound oozing, or menstrual bleeding much heavier than usual.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if you have repeated unexplained bleeding, bleeding that restarts after dental work or minor injuries, or a family history of an uncommon bleeding disorder.

    If you already have a diagnosis, contact your usual team before planned surgery, dental extraction, or pregnancy care.

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