Hemothorax: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services after a chest injury if you have new or worsening shortness of breath, severe chest pain, fainting, confusion, pale or clammy skin, or a very fast heartbeat.

   These symptoms may indicate major bleeding, a collapsed lung, or shock.

   Seek emergency help after recent chest surgery or a chest procedure if breathing suddenly becomes difficult, you feel faint, or chest pain is rapidly worsening.

   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

   If you have already been treated for a hemothorax, obtain prompt medical advice for fever, increasing breathlessness, worsening chest pain, redness or drainage around a chest tube wound, or coughing up blood.

   These may suggest infection, recurrent fluid, or another complication.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate when symptoms are steadily improving.

   Keep planned appointments for examination, imaging, blood tests, or wound review even if you feel well.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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