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Keep Important Health Information at Hand

Do you know what information is essential in a medical emergency? Knowing what you need and being prepared can make a difference in an emergency situation and may even save a life.

"In a medical emergency, you might be unconscious or unable to speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "That's why it's so important to make sure that medical personnel have access to your medical history, as well as relevant contact information. For example, knowing what medications you are taking could prevent severe drug interactions, and knowing what allergies you have could prevent serious reactions."

ACEP recommends that you complete medical information forms to make sure vital information is available to medical personnel and that someone is authorized to make medical decisions for minor children. Copies of the forms are available on ACEP's web site.

Medical Consent to Treat Form

This form allows parents or caregivers to designate someone in their absence (e.g., babysitter, grandparent, other relatives, school nurse) to make medical decisions for their child. Anyone who comes to the emergency department will always receive life-saving care, but it's important to authorize someone to make decisions for a minor child so that other needed medical treatment is not delayed. Most forms also contain additional information, such as contact information for the child's pediatrician, list of allergies, and details of any medical problems.

Emergency Information Form for Children With Special Needs

This new form is specifically designed by ACEP and the American Academy of Pediatrics for children with chronic medical illnesses or disabilities. It describes any prior medical procedures, allergies, and medications/foods to avoid. The form also outlines critical actions to avoid and provides information on life-saving maneuvers or interventions. The child’s pediatrician or specialist should complete it.

Personal Medical History Form

This form contains information related to prescription medications, medical problems or previous surgeries, pertinent family history, and emergency contacts. It should be completed for every family member and taken to the emergency department in an emergency. Another option is to carry a medical identification card with this information in your wallet or purse.

Medical Contact Form

This form tells medical personnel whom to contact in an emergency, as well as provides some medical information. ACEP recommends that you complete a form for yourself and give a copy to your medical contact.

"Patient with existing medical conditions should wear some type of medical identification jewelry," said Dr. Sacchetti. "This can notify emergency personnel of important information when you can't."

ACEP recommends that you keep the forms updated. Nearly 100 million people — one in three Americans — went to the emergency department in 1997.