So what information should you carry with you?
Recommendation by the National Institute on Aging:
How would an ER find it?- Name
- A list of your medical problems
- A list of your medications (including herbs and supplements)
- Name and phone number of your doctor
- Name and phone number of family or close friends
- Whether you wear contact lenses
The best approach is to write your health information on a card you keep right behind your driver's license in your wallet.
Why near your driver's license? "When the paramedics arrive to help you, they grab a wallet or a purse so they'll know who you are," she says. "They do it consistently." When patients arrive in the emergency room, nurses routinely look for their driver's license to locate next of kin".
How about when it's not an emergency?
Keeping a personal health record is important even when you're not in an emergency situation, according to the American Health Information Management Association.
In an emergency situation, you may not be able to speak and give vital information to help alert others concerning your health. Medical providers must sometimes treat accident victims without having any basic medical information about the individual or any way to contact someone who could provide crucial information.Create a free emergency medical identification card online in a few minutes.
A medical information card would prove to be invaluable in providing treatment by attending medics or other medical personnel. A medical identification bracelet or pendant is recommended to alert emergency medical personnel of your wallet card.
What do I need to include on my Medical ID?
Suggestions: When choosing engraving position, we suggest the following order: a. Conditions b. Medicines c. Allergies
- Make sure your ID distinguishes between your medicines and allergies, by engraving "Meds:" before your medicines and "Allergic To:" before allergies.
- Include only IMPORTANT information not likely to change.
- If everything will not fit on your Medical ID, or likely to change, use the complimentary wallet card you'll receive with your Medical ID or go to our Free Wallet ID Card Generator and keep your card up to date.
- We suggest engraving "SEE WALLET CARD" on your Medical ID if you plan to use the card.