What to Do When Emergency Strikes

In an emergency, prompt access to paramedics is essential but what do paramedics need from you and how can you prepare just in case something does happen?

If we have a spouse or significant other with us when the emergency strikes, that family member can likely give the vital information to paramedics such as your name, your birthdate, your medical history, medication allergies and maybe what medications you might be taking. But if you live alone, who speaks for you in a time of an emergency?

Grab a simple piece of paper and let’s begin to make an easy to use medical record that will be of great benefit to the paramedics.

• Write down your name
• Date of birth
• Hospitalization Number
• Address
• Who is your next of kin?
• Please give us several different phone numbers to reach them
• What is your medical history such as diabetes, heart condition, seizure disorder
• What medications do you take? If the list is long ask your pharmacist to print out that list for you
• Are you allergic to any medications
• Who is your family doctor

That is pretty much all the basic information the paramedics will need.

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Now the next question is what do you do with this information? Put it in your purse, wallet or place it in an envelope and tape in a prominent place. Make sure the envelope is visible to attract attention such a different color, big red letters on front saying “medical information here.” The importance of being able to access the information in a timely fashion is very important to paramedics.

If you have a heart condition, allergy, rare blood type or any other medical problem you might also consider a medic alert bracelet, necklace or even shoe tag for the runners. While many businesses might sell medical alert bracelets the original medical alert bracelet gives the paramedic a very unique and important feature a 24 hour phone number and ID number.

The original medic alert bracelet will register you so that no matter where or when the emergency occurs any health care provider such as a paramedic can get vital health information. Timing is everything. You can learn more about the original medic alert program from www.medicalert.ca. Similar products like Vial of Life provide the words to speak for you in case of an emergency. What ever you choose it is important that the information be kept current and up to date.

While considering the record keeping of your health information have the important conversation with your family members, doctor and even a close personal friend if family is not close by, what are my wishes are in case of a serious life threatening medical emergency. It is worth the conversation to consider organ donation. As paramedics we often see the tragedy of human life and do our best to save that life. But when there is no hope of recovery despite the best medical efforts then what.

Fast facts about organ and tissue donation

• One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 75 people.
• The first transplant in Saskatchewan, a kidney, took place just over 50 years ago on December 10, 1963.
• Over 800 kidney transplants have been performed in our province since 1963.
• Currently, about 90 people are waiting for a kidney transplant in Saskatchewan and a similar number are waiting for corneas.
• Approximately, 25 to 30 organ transplants take place each year in our province.
• In 2013, there were six multi-organ donors and 44 cornea donors in Saskatchewan.
• The oldest person to be an organ donor (kidney) in Canada was 92 years old. (Source Sask Health)

In an emergency when you cannot speak for yourself someone or something needs to do that for you. Prepare for that “just in case emergency” and do yourself and family a favor have a plan. If you need any further information please contact us at 306-953-9800.