Post-thyroidectomy neck hematoma / airway compromise — expanding neck swelling with pressure, breathing difficulty, or stridor — airway emergency: activate EMS and prepare for emergency wound opening/airway management per protocol.

Severe hypocalcemia — perioral/digital numbness, tetany, or laryngospasm after thyroid/parathyroid surgery — emergency calcium/evaluation and escalate/transfer.

Thyroid storm or myxedema coma — hyperthermia/tachyarrhythmia/agitation, or hypothermia/obtundation — emergency evaluation/transfer.

Recurrent-laryngeal-nerve injury — new stridor or a marked voice change with airway concern — urgent evaluation.