Plan for an Emergency
Record family medical information on a card and keep it close to the telephone in case of an emergency. This should include:
• Name
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Allergies
• Medical History
• Current Medications
What to Do if You Have an Emergency
• Dial 9-1-1.
• Say, “This is an emergency. I need an ambulance because...”.
• Give the location of the patient, your name and telephone number.
• Follow the instructions given.
• Stay with the patient until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Before We Arrive
If at night, turn on an outside porch light. If possible, send someone to the front lawn with a flash light to signal the emergency vehicle driver.
• Move any obstacles out of the way.
• Turn off any radios or TVs.
• Place any dogs or cats in a separate room with the doors closed.
• Keep talking to the patient.
• Do not give the patient anything to drink.
• Gather all medications the patient takes as well as identification and insurance information.