1. Written updated, accurate list of medications: name, dose, frequency. Initials after name of medication are important too such as: XL, XR, LA, IR, ER, SR (see modified-release dosage on Wikipedia).
2. Cell phone charger. Patients always have phones without battery. You can be in the emergency room for 6 to 48 hours!
3. List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper! In case the patient is unconscious and phone is locked or battery out.
4. Good toothbrush and hair brush. Hospital toiletries are cheap. This isn’t a hotel.
5. Three pairs of underwear.
6. Primary care doctor. Full name, phone number, and office address.
7. A book or something to read. I have yet to find a hospital with decent WiFi.
8. Copy of legal paperwork such as health care proxy, advance directive, or MOLST.
9. If patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator: A copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, MRI compatibility.
10. If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
11. Extra batteries for hearing aid or other medical devices.
2. Cell phone charger. Patients always have phones without battery. You can be in the emergency room for 6 to 48 hours!
3. List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper! In case the patient is unconscious and phone is locked or battery out.
4. Good toothbrush and hair brush. Hospital toiletries are cheap. This isn’t a hotel.
5. Three pairs of underwear.
6. Primary care doctor. Full name, phone number, and office address.
7. A book or something to read. I have yet to find a hospital with decent WiFi.
8. Copy of legal paperwork such as health care proxy, advance directive, or MOLST.
9. If patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator: A copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, MRI compatibility.
10. If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
11. Extra batteries for hearing aid or other medical devices.
For the home refrigerator, post these documents. EMTs are trained to look for emergency information in the event that you need to contact 911 but cannot speak.
1. Copy of the health care proxy
2. Emergency contact information
3. Health insurance information