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 for severe breathing difficulty, sudden severe chest pain, fainting, blue or grey lips, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
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
Seek urgent advice the same day for:
Fever, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or wound drainage
Pain that is worsening or not controlled by the prescribed plan
Repeated vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
New clicking, movement, or a visible change in bar position
Increasing shortness of breath
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Attend routine follow-up for wound checks, activity guidance, and planning for bar removal.
Contact the surgical team during office hours if constipation, sleep problems, numbness, or ongoing discomfort is not improving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pectus excavatum repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.