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
Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or bleeding that remains heavy after firm continuous pressure as instructed by your treatment team.
And for anyone, someone who:
has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if you have increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, worsening pain, fever, a wound that opens, or bleeding that returns repeatedly.
Also call if a graft or flap becomes unusually pale, dark, cold, or increasingly painful.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Questions about dressings, expected swelling, pathology timing, stitch removal, or return to work can usually wait for routine office hours.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Skin cancer treatment. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.