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 after a significant head, neck, or back injury if there is new weakness, numbness, loss of movement, severe neck or back pain, loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty breathing.
Do not move the injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Keep the head and neck as still as reasonably possible while waiting for help.
Seek emergency help for signs of autonomic dysreflexia, particularly a sudden pounding headache, sweating, flushing, or vision changes in someone with a higher-level spinal cord injury.
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
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 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
Urgent medical assessment is also appropriate for:
New or worsening weakness or loss of sensation
Fever with breathing problems, confusion, or feeling seriously unwell
A red, swollen leg or sudden chest pain and breathlessness
A pressure wound with spreading redness, discharge, or fever
A catheter that is not draining with bladder pain or autonomic symptoms
Severe or unexplained changes in bladder or bowel function
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine follow-up for persistent pain, increasing spasms, repeated urinary infections, skin problems, equipment difficulties, low mood, sleep problems, or changes that interfere with daily life.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Spinal cord injury. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.