Have you ever had to rush someone to the hospital? Your heart is pounding, your thoughts are racing. Your number one concern is to get to that hospital as soon as possible.
I have been in this situation more than once. In fact, just today we almost had to race to the hospital again. Sometimes it is hard to know. Do you need a hospital for real this time or not? No one wants to be an alarmist and, let’s face it, hospitals are no fun. But aren’t we grateful for hospitals when we do need them? Oh, yes we are.
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Out of necessity, I am getting somewhat proficient at the “pick up and run” part of unplanned trips to the Emergency Room. I have learned a few things from experience. I hope that you never have to use this but here is my “short list” of items to have ready to bring to the hospital, just in case you do:
Items To Have Ready For A Quick Trip To The Hospital
1.Your first priority is the patient. Assess whether you should call for an ambulance. If so, call 911. If you do not need one, accompany the patient to the car and get him/her safely settled inside.
*Note: we are blessed to live within 10 minutes of a major hospital. Had it been farther away, I would have been calling an ambulance for sure. Discuss it with your health professional for their best advice.
2. Keys to the car. Keep your car keys in the same location at all times so that you do not have to go searching. Likewise, since you are living in a state of always being ready, keep your car’s gas tank filled.
3. Insurance card. The patient’s insurance information is vital to have with you. Again, if you keep it in the same location consistently, it will take no thought to grab it as you go.
4. List of medications. The hospital needs know every medication the patient is taking with the dosage. Keep a current copy of the list of medications in your purse or wallet or bring your file.
5.Sweater or jacket. No matter the weather outdoors, I have found our hospital to be well air conditioned. For comfort, both you and the patient will appreciate having a jacket or hoodie to put on if the ER is too cold.
6.Wallet with cash in it. You will need to pay for parking and, possibly, food or a bottle of water.
7.Cell phone – keep your phone charged and, if it is not, bring the charger with you. Have all of the most important phone numbers already loaded in your contacts list.
8.Now get going! Anything else you may need can be retrieved later.
What to take with you for a quick trip to the hospital #healthcare #tips Share on X
Special tip about pets – if you will be leaving your pets alone, quickly secure them and leave a light on. After you get the patient checked in at the hospital, you can call and ask a friend to go to your house to take them potty and feed them.
Related articles:
Heart Attacks and Heart Disease
Do You Know When NOT To Call 911?
Enjoy!
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