How to Maintain Emergency Medical Information

Whether you have a medical condition, or you’re currently healthy, you should maintain emergency medical information. If an emergency occurs, you can save a few steps, and possibly save a life, by having this information updated and available.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide how to maintain your emergency medical information. If you have a computer available, type the information in one document. If your information changes, you can easily update the document. If using a computer is not an option, buy a notebook and dedicate it to this data.
2. Photocopy your medical insurance and prescription cards and any dental or optical insurance cards. These cards contain the information necessary to treat you in an emergency.
3. List your medical conditions and any prescriptions. Include the dates of diagnosis and current treatment. For medications, note your daily dosages and when you need refills.
4. Gather information concerning your doctors. Identify which medical condition the doctor is treating. Include the doctor's office address, telephone number and office hours, and identify any hospitals affiliated with your doctor. Do this for each doctor you have.
5. Copy and save your emergency medical information. Store it in a safe and secure location, such as a safe deposit box. If you're using a computer, "password protect" your document and back it up onto a disc, CD or jump drive.
6. Inform your emergency medical contacts where your information can be located. For computer files, send the information via email.

Tips & Warnings

• Update your emergency medical information at least once per year or more often if there's a change in the information.
• Keep an abbreviated version of your emergency medical information in your purse or wallet.