Red Flags
The one page used under pressure. Print it, put it on the fridge, and when in doubt escalate one level.
Summarised from RCH Kids Health Info, Healthdirect and SCHN guidance. This is a summary, not medical advice — always verify against the current fact sheets.
Call 000Now
Not breathing, or severe difficulty breathing — gasping, blue lips, can barely speak. Unconscious, cannot be woken, or a seizure lasting more than five minutes. Anaphylaxis: swelling of tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, collapse after a food, sting or medication. A rash of small red or purple spots that does not fade when pressed with a glass, especially with fever. Suspected meningitis: fever with severe headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, drowsiness or confusion. Severe uncontrolled bleeding. Major injury or suspected spinal injury. Immediate risk of suicide.
Same dayGP or Emergency Department
Fever persisting beyond about 48 hours, or any fever with drowsiness, repeated vomiting, poor fluid intake or a child who looks seriously unwell. Dehydration signs: little or no urine for eight hours or more, dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy. Abdominal pain that is severe, constant, wakes them from sleep, settles in the lower right, or comes with fever and vomiting. Head injury with vomiting, worsening headache, drowsiness, confusion or unequal pupils. Breathing that is fast, laboured or noisy at rest. Inability to bear weight or use a limb after injury. A spreading area of hot, red, painful skin. Sudden testicular pain. A new severe headache unlike previous ones.
This weekBook the GP
Symptoms outlasting their expected course: cough beyond three to four weeks, sore throat beyond a week, diarrhoea beyond ten days. Recurrent abdominal pain, headaches or nausea — including where stress seems the likely driver, because a pattern of somatic symptoms deserves proper assessment, not assumption. Unexplained weight loss, fatigue that does not lift with rest, marked appetite change. Persistently broken or insufficient sleep despite good routine. Changes in mood or withdrawal persisting more than a couple of weeks. And parental instinct that something is wrong — the instinct itself is a legitimate reason for an appointment.
HomeWatch and Care
Ordinary viral illness: fever responding to comfort measures, drinking adequately, alert when awake. Mild gastro managed with small frequent fluids. Minor cuts, bruises and sprains. Mild sore throat, runny nose or cough in a child who is otherwise well. Keep watching for any feature above — the escalation ladder always stays open.