Prepare Your Family for a Medical Emergency

When you have a medical emergency in your family, whether it is minor, such as a broken arm or something more serious, such as a heart attack, are you prepared? Probably not. Medical emergencies take even the most prepared person off-guard and if you are like most people, you are completely unprepared. However, you should be ready at any time for a medical emergency. If your spouse where in a car accident today, would you be able to tell the medical personal his or her medications and the amount that is taken? If the school nurse called you today to tell you your child has been injured on the school playground, would you be able to quickly locate your insurance paperwork?

If you have not thought about a medical emergency, now is the time to do so. Take a few minutes to prepare yourself and your family for such a situation.

Gather insurance paperwork: You need to have an insurance card with you at all times. Have you ever given any thought to giving your child an insurance card, too? What if you child is at a sleepover and gets hurt? Would the other family be able to proceed with medical care if you could not be reached? Kids need to have a copy of the insurance card and emergency numbers with them at all times. In addition, make extra copies of any necessary paperwork you may need.

Know your family's medical history: This is very important. You should take the time to make a small book or file outlining each family member's medical history including the names and dosage of any prescription medication. You should also list the name, age, birthday, social security number, allergies, previous hospitalizations and medical problems. It is also a good idea to list vitamins and any herbal supplements that are taken. This should be updated on a regular basis and kept in a handy place in your home. You might also want to consider giving a copy of this information to a trusted neighbor or local family member for safekeeping.

Teach the kids 911: Kids can help save a life by knowing how to pick up the phone at dialing 911. If your kids are old enough to pick out the correct numbers, he or she is old enough to dial for help. Make it a rule that everyone in the house calls 911 in an emergency. Do not waste your time calling your doctor's late night answering service. If you think you are hurt or sick enough to call the doctor late at night, then you are sick enough to call 911. You would rather be safe in this type of circumstance than sorry later on down the road.

Help older family members get help: If you have an older loved one that lives alone, remember that they might have decreased mobility. In the event he or she falls or gets hurt, they may not be able to reach the phone to call for help. You can purchase special necklaces that they can wear that will automatically call for emergency help. This can be a true lifesaver for many older adults.

Know basic first aid and CPR: At least one person in your household should be CPR certified. If not, you need to get training now-and keep it up to date. You will be taught how to help someone that is choking or not breathing. There are many places that offer low-cost CPR training, so check around, or call your local fire or police station for information.

Find out how your local ambulance service works: In most cases, you will be taken to the nearest hospital in the event of a medical emergency. However, if there are several local choices, know where the ambulance will take you. If you prefer, they can get you to another facility if time is not a big factor.

Help the medical personnel: When you are in the emergency room, be prepared with answers. They want to help you and when you can answer questions about your condition, you are likely to get a faster diagnosis. "I have a chest pain", is a lot different than, "I have chest pain that shoots down into my left arm." When you can give good answers, the doctor can find an appropriate treatment faster.

No one wants to face a medical emergency. However, when you are fully prepared for a medical emergency, you can do your part to help yourself and your family on the road to recovery.