General anesthesia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, chest pain, collapse, inability to wake, signs of stroke, or swelling of the face or throat.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day advice for repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, worsening shortness of breath, new weakness or numbness, difficulty urinating, or pain that is severe despite the recommended treatment.

   Follow the discharge instructions for your main procedure, which may identify additional urgent symptoms.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   For routine advice, contact your healthcare team if a sore throat, nausea, dizziness, or unusual tiredness is not gradually improving.

   Also report dental damage, persistent confusion, memory problems, or any memory of events while you were meant to be unconscious.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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