What is a red light?
A red light is a point where the next move should be more help, not a more elaborate workaround. This page cannot diagnose you. It highlights situations where emergency care, urgent medical assessment, or additional support deserves priority.
When should I call emergency services now?
In the United States, call 911 for immediate medical danger. Severe chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, unresponsiveness, or other life-threatening symptoms after possible meth use need urgent help. Do not wait for food, water, sleep, or a home routine to fix them. Source: MedlinePlus.
When does a wound or skin problem need care?
Increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, pus, fever, or a red streak extending from a wound can be signs of infection. Deep wounds or bleeding that will not stop also need medical assessment. Source: MedlinePlus.
Do not use strong antiseptics, antibiotics, or prescription creams as a substitute for assessment of a worsening wound. See the skin-care warning signs.
What if the red light is a recent possible HIV exposure?
PEP is time-sensitive. CDC recommends starting PEP as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after a possible HIV exposure when a clinician determines it is indicated. Seek urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Source: CDC.
What if I cannot keep basic needs going?
The manual treats losing access to basic supplies and routines as a warning sign. On the website, that means asking a practical question: are food, drinking water, rest, communication, transport, or a safe place becoming consistently unreachable?
That situation is not automatically a medical emergency, but it is a reason to widen the plan. Ask a trusted person for help, contact a service, arrange healthcare, or use the support guide. If you are confused, fainting, unable to urinate, having breathing problems, or otherwise seriously ill, seek medical care rather than treating it as a basic-needs problem.
What if the danger is emotional or psychological?
In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call, text, or chat for people in emotional distress, including concerns related to alcohol or drug use. If someone is in immediate physical danger or has a medical emergency, use 911 instead.
Outside the U.S., Find A Helpline can help locate verified emotional-support services by country.
What do I do when a red light is on?
- Name what is happening. “Chest pain,” “wound is spreading,” “possible HIV exposure,” “I have nowhere safe to go,” or “I am afraid I may hurt myself” is more actionable than “everything is bad.”
- Choose the level of help. Emergency services, urgent medical care, a clinician, a crisis line, a trusted person, or a treatment/support service.
- Make contact before solving everything else. You do not need a perfect explanation before asking for help.
Field note: harm reduction includes knowing when the safest move is to stop improvising and hand the problem to someone with more resources.
Sources
Health and crisis information checked September 27, 2026.