Perhaps the most important thing you can do to be prepared—for a disaster, an emergency or a health concern—is to help prepare health care providers to care for you if/when you need it. If you are unconscious or otherwise unable to advocate for yourself, who will be able to give your medical history, such as allergies, medications, and past surgeries, to health care providers in the critical minutes of a medical emergency? This is also especially important for older people who, even if they are conscious, may forget the names and dosages of the medications they take, as well as the names and phone numbers of their emergency contacts.
Carrying a piece of paper in your wallet or purse with critical health data and personal and insurance details will help you get the care you need faster and safer.
Personal & Insurance Details
- Full legal name and date of birth.
- Home address and phone number.
- Blood type (if known).
- Health insurance company, policy number, and group number.
- Primary care physician name and phone number.
Critical Health Data
- Severe allergies (to medications, food, or latex) and your typical reaction.
- Major medical conditions (such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, or rare disorders).
- Implanted medical devices (such as a pacemaker or coronary stents).
- Special communication or physical needs (such as hearing impairments or wheelchair use).
Medications & Emergency Instructions
- Current prescription medications, including the dosage and how often you take them.
- Pharmacy name and phone number.
- Special instructions (such as noting that a condition like myasthenia gravis or a brain injury can mimic intoxication).
- Emergency contacts with their names, relationships to you, and phone numbers.
Consider sharing this information document with your emergency contacts so they can also advocate for you should you need it. Be sure that your emergency contacts know your EWTF health benefits providers to ensure that your medical care is covered by the benefits you are entitled to.
Know your benefits: https://www.ewtf.org/health-benefits-spd/table-of-contents/