What Information Should You Have Ready For A Medical Emergency?

What Information Should You Have Ready For A Medical Emergency?

Consider yourself fortunate if you haven’t been to the ER recently. The best time to prepare for a medical emergency is before it occurs. 

The leading cause of death for people under the age of 44 in America is emergency trauma. Being prepared will help you make the best out of a dangerous situation. Avoid becoming a statistic by being ready with information that explains your immediate medical needs for first responders attending to you.

FrontLine ER provides a useful and straightforward guide to keeping a brief but vital set of information for you and your loved ones in case of a medical emergency.

Updated information about Your Insurance Cover

An emergency can leave you with high medical bills especially if your condition incapacitates you for some time and you are unable to work. If you are disabled because of your situation, you could end up in a long-term care facility that charges thousands of dollars monthly.

Lack of insurance to cover these unexpected scenarios can lead to financial disaster. Review your insurance coverage often and ensure you have the appropriate health insurance with a cognitive and deductible disability, long-term care, and life insurance policies to protect you or your loved ones.

Have your insurance card with you at all times to enable the hospital staff get quick access to your coverage information. Your claim can also be processed through your insurer soonest, thereby reducing the chances of being asked to pay out-of-pocket.

Emergency Contacts

First identify your primary care practitioner (PCP), emergency care such as FrontLine ER (if you are in Richmond or Dallas), then write down all their details including, the doctor’s name, physical address and phone numbers, and place them somewhere visible. You can also use a notepad on your phone to write out all these information and any other crucial details, like allergies to medications. Screenshot the note and set it as your wallpaper on your lock screen, so the relevant information shows up immediately even when your phone locks up. 

You could also add “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contact name and phone numbers to your mobile phone. This specific contact name helps to identify someone who is close to you and can share your medical history to emergency responders if you are not in a position.

Medical Information and Clear Directives in Place

Establish a Family Medication file which may include hospitalizations, history of surgeries, and any chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes along with the names of your regular doctors. Have a list of medications, dosages (including allergies to medicine) and keep it available to take with you to the emergency department.

You can also name a healthcare proxy using an attorney. It involves choosing a specific person to be in charge of making medical decisions on your behalf if you are unconscious and you’re unable to give consent. By selecting the person who will decide on care for you, medical treatment can proceed without any delays. For children, a complete medical consent form for each child should be given to caregivers (babysitters) in case the parents are not around.

Apart from having a physical medical file, it’s good to have electronic copies of them as well and if you feel comfortable doing so, give a copy to a trusted friend or relative outside your area.

Consider preparing a similar written emergency information form for your child at school, daycare, or anywhere they are likely to be. It should include the parent or guardians contacts.

If you have conditions such as asthma or cardiovascular issues, that are likely to lead you to an emergency room, develop a map of where you work or live so that members of your support network who aren’t familiar with your neighborhood can find and get what you need.

If you have chronic illnesses for instance diabetes, epilepsy, blood disorders, or severe allergies to medicine or food, you might consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. It will help emergency service providers to treat you if you are unresponsive.

Knowledge of CPR and First Aid

Research shows that patient results come out better when CPR is administered sooner in case of a cardiac emergency. In such cases, the longer it takes for to initiate CPR, the less chance it will be successful. That’s why knowing how to perform a CPR, and basic first aid training is vital, and a caregiver can often intervene quickly and prevent something significant from happening.

Being ready is priceless, and once you’ve taken these essential steps, you can rest assured you’ll be in the best possible position to withstand a tragedy and that your loved ones will be safe if the worst happens. It’s the only opportunity to reverse the chances of death through prompt medical treatment. FrontLine ER is on standby round the clock, to attend to any medical emergencies that may arise. Visit us today!

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