6. Red flags — escalate / transfer
🚩 Red flags |
|---|
Post-fall on an anticoagulant with any new headache, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness, unequal pupils, or focal deficit — transfer (delayed intracranial bleed). Suspected hip/long-bone fracture (shortened/externally rotated limb, cannot bear weight, deformity) — immobilize and transfer. Head strike with deterioration, any loss of consciousness, or a new focal neuro deficit — activate EMS/transfer. Uncontrolled bleeding from a laceration, or signs of significant internal injury (abdominal rigidity, hypotension) — transfer. |