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 you or someone else develops jaw stiffness, painful muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems, especially after a wound.
Do not drive yourself if spasms or breathing problems are present.
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 medical advice after a wound if:
It is deep, punctured, crushed, burned, badly contaminated, or contains a foreign object
It was caused by an animal or human bite
Soil, manure, or saliva entered it
Dead tissue is present or the wound is becoming infected
You have not completed tetanus vaccination
Your vaccination history is unknown
A clinician previously advised tetanus protection because of immune problems
Do not wait for stiffness or spasms to develop.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
A routine appointment is appropriate when you have no concerning wound or symptoms but want to check whether your vaccinations are up to date.
The article also says
Also seek care if you cannot clean the wound fully or remove a foreign object safely.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tetanus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.