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 now if you or someone else has rapidly worsening severe pain around a wound, especially with swelling, skin discoloration, blisters, fever or a crackling feeling under the skin.
Emergency help is also needed for:
Confusion, fainting or difficulty staying awake
Fast or difficult breathing
Cold, clammy or mottled skin
Very little urine
Rapidly spreading purple or black skin changes
Sudden severe illness after an injury or operation
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
Do not wait to see whether symptoms settle.
Do not drain, cut or treat the affected area yourself.
A person who is faint, confused or severely unwell should not drive.
During recovery, contact the hospital or wound-care team promptly for new fever, worsening pain, increasing swelling, spreading redness, bad-smelling discharge or wound breakdown.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Stable scars and rehabilitation needs can usually be discussed at routine follow-up.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Gas gangrene. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.