Do you know what to bring to the hospital in an emergency situation? Here’s some tips from The Health Alliance that will allow the nurses and physicians to better assess your situation.

Medication

It’s very important that you bring any medication you are taking. Certain medicines should not be mixed; therefore, it is extremely important that the doctor knows exactly what medications you are currently taking. However, not every emergency situation occurs in the home, which is where most people keep their medicines. It is a good idea to keep a list of current medicines as well as a medical history in your wallet or purse.

Medical History

Medical history is very important information for the emergency staff when assessing your condition. You should keep a card, or piece of paper, containing any surgeries and the dates they occurred, any history of heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc. in your wallet. Every little bit of information the emergency nurses and doctors can gather allows them to make informed decisions about your emergency care. If you have children or care for older adults, it’s essential that you have the same types of medication and medical history lists for them.

Damaging Object

If your emergency involves a cut caused by a stick, knife or some other sharp object, bring the object with you. It helps the nurses and doctors to see the object, rather than having you explain the sharpness or depth of the object.

However, if the object is impaled, it is important to leave the object in the body and not move it until you reach the hospital. For example, if your child falls on a stick that punctures his arm, it is better to leave the stick in the arm, stabilize the stick and head for the nearest emergency department. The object may help more by staying put; if you pull the object out without knowing exactly what has been punctured inside, it could cause more damage. Go to the nearest emergency department where they can X-ray and determine the best way to remove the object.

If you need immediate attention, call 911.

The Health Alliance Emergency Departments, which include The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals (East and West), The Jewish Hospital and The Fort Hamilton Hospital, wish you a safe holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2000.