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What to do if…
you start vomiting blood or see coffee-ground material in vomit

Short answer

If you are vomiting blood/coffee-ground material, go to the ER now. Call 911 if it’s a large amount, it’s ongoing/recurrent, you have any signs of shock (fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, clammy/pale skin, rapid breathing), or you can’t get to the ER safely.

Do not do these things

Do not try to drive yourself to the ER (risk of fainting/aspiration).
Do not lie flat on your back if you might vomit again.
Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs like ibuprofen/naproxen “for pain” unless a clinician specifically told you to.
Do not drink alcohol or take “stomach settling” remedies.
Do not assume it’s food, supplements, or dye if it looks like blood or coffee grounds.
Do not delay care to “see if it stops,” especially if it’s more than a trace, happens again, or you feel weak/dizzy.

What to do now

Pick the safest urgent route:
- Call 911 if you feel faint, confused, short of breath, very weak, have chest/severe belly pain, are actively vomiting blood/coffee grounds, it’s more than a small amount, or you’re alone without safe transport.
- If you are fully alert and stable and a responsible adult can take you safely, have them take you to the ER now (do not drive yourself).
Position for safety (reduce choking risk):
- Sit upright and lean forward slightly, or lie on your side with your head turned.
- Keep a bowl/bag nearby.
If someone is with you: ask them to stay with you, keep you sitting/side-lying, and unlock the door for EMS if you’re calling 911. If you have kids/pets, ask them to manage immediate safety (keep space, keep calm).
Get “high-impact details” ready for EMS/ER (30 seconds):
- Amount and appearance: bright red vs dark/coffee grounds, streaks vs mouthfuls.
- Any black/tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, confusion.
- Your meds, especially blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran), aspirin, steroids, or frequent NSAID use.
- Any history of ulcers, liver disease, heavy alcohol use, or recent forceful vomiting.
If safe, preserve what clinicians may need to see: keep a small sample in the container you used (or take a quick photo). Do not delay 911/ER care to do this.
Don’t eat or drink until you’ve been evaluated. If you’re waiting for help and your mouth is very dry, small sips of water are usually safest only if you’re fully alert and it does not trigger more vomiting.
If you worsen at any point: call 911 (or tell the dispatcher immediately if already on the line).

What can wait

Trying to identify the cause yourself.
Calling primary care first or waiting for an appointment.
Cleaning up properly (just make the area safe from slips).
Debating whether it’s “enough blood” to matter — err on the side of urgent evaluation.

Important reassurance

Seeing blood or coffee-ground material in vomit is frightening, and it’s normal to second-guess yourself. Getting urgent emergency evaluation is a safety-first response — and it’s okay to ask for help quickly.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to reduce immediate risk and get you to urgent evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made by clinicians after assessment.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, seek emergency medical care immediately.

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What to do if…you start vomiting blood or see coffee-ground material in vomit