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 immediately if a person has been rescued from water and:
Is not breathing normally
Is unconscious, confused, or difficult to wake
Has blue, grey, or very pale lips or skin
Has severe or worsening breathing difficulty
Has a persistent cough with breathing changes
Has a seizure
May have a head, neck, or diving injury
Begin CPR if the person is not breathing normally, following emergency call-handler instructions.
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
Prompt medical assessment is also appropriate after any event involving clear breathing impairment, even if the person seems to improve.
Do not assume that sleepiness is simply due to exhaustion if it is unusual or the person is difficult to wake.
After discharge, seek urgent reassessment for worsening cough, fast or labored breathing, chest pain, fever, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or blue or grey skin.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up may be useful after a severe event, ongoing fatigue or breathing problems, emotional distress, or concern that a seizure, heart problem, or fainting episode caused the incident.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Non-fatal drowning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.