Any of the following is acted on immediately. EMS is activated first for life- or limb-threatening findings; provider notification and orders follow.
Red flags — act immediately
Sudden sensory loss or a new focal deficit with weakness, facial droop, or slurred speech → stroke pathway — run BE-FAST and activate EMS (cross-reference Neurological).
Saddle (perineal) anesthesia with new urinary retention or bowel incontinence → cauda equina syndrome — activate EMS (cross-reference Musculoskeletal and Neurological).
Rapidly ascending numbness and weakness from the feet upward → possible Guillain-Barré syndrome — activate EMS / urgent evaluation.
New loss of protective sensation with a new foot wound → offload and notify; high amputation risk (cross-reference Wounds and Diabetes overlay).
An unnoticed burn or deep injury in an insensate area → treat and notify; reassess the protection plan.
Progressive sensory loss with new falls → notify; intensify fall precautions (cross-reference Safety).
