Put it in Writing
Most of us live our lives without too many emergencies to interrupt us. As a result, we have a tendency to get pretty comfortable and not be totally prepared in the event of certain emergencies – especially medical emergencies.
This can put us in a mess if we are suddenly faced with a medical situation where people – such as our doctors or hospital – need pertinent information from us to treat us. For example, we might break our leg, which in and of itself seems simple to deal with.
However, what if we are taking medicine for blood pressure, diabetes, heart issues or blood thinners? All of these medications can have an effect on how the doctors in the emergency room choose to treat us. They can also have a huge effect on our health.
If the doctors don’t know what medicines we are taking or how much, they could possibly give us conflicting medicine which could cause serious health issues.
There is an easy solution to this issue. Write it all down. A great suggestion is for you or a friend/family member to write down all your medications, the doses, and the times you take them. Include over-the-counter medicines, such as Tylenol or allergy medication. In addition, write down your blood type, religious preference, doctor’s name and phone number and an emergency name and phone number plus any allergies you might have. Put all of this information on one sheet of paper and fold it and put it in your wallet. In addition, give an extra copy to a friend or relative, as well as keeping one copy on a magnet on your refrigerator so it will be easy to find in an emergency.
Chances are that you won’t need to use this handy little paper, but in the event that it is necessary, it will keep your doctors informed and will keep you safe.
