All the items in your wallet, the most valuable could be the Medical Information Card that lists your prescriptions and medical history. Listing this information on a card that you carry in your wallet could save your life in a medical emergency. If you are away from your medical records or doctor, in an accident, the information provided on the card is invaluable during what is called "The Golden Hour".
What is the Golden Hour?
The "Golden Hour" is a brief window of time in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved, if definitive treatment is provided. The Golden Hour is 60 minutes from the moment of injury, to call 911, dispatch an ambulance, transport the victim to a trauma center, and perform the necessary, life-saving intervention. Which means trauma is "time sensitive", and there is no time to waste.
Trying to locate a relative or your medical records can use up that critical hour where a life is in the balance. This is when a medical information card can give First Responders or Emergency Room Personnel the information they need to treat you.
Information that is typically included on a medical information card will be:
*Name and Address
*Date of Birth and Blood Type
*Three emergency (3) contacts with their phone numbers
*Primary Physicians (2) names and phone numbers
*Medical Condition/History (Use this to describe any operations, implants, etc.)
*Medicines (Includes dosage and times per day)
*Allergies (This can be critical information in an ER)
*Date Issued (Card should always be kept up to date)
*Photo (This is Optional, but what better way to make sure the card goes with the person?)
It is also recommended that older people in particular should carry a medical information card, since they'll be the ones most likely taking several medications. Also, parents ought to compile a card for each child, recording chronic medical problems and medications.
Additionally, the card should be kept up to date, particularly when medications or dosages change, you move or change doctors. The best place to carry your card is in your wallet next to your driver's license or other personal information. In an emergency, your wallet is typically the first place someone will go for information when seeking information on an unconscious patient.
What is the Golden Hour?
The "Golden Hour" is a brief window of time in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients can be saved, if definitive treatment is provided. The Golden Hour is 60 minutes from the moment of injury, to call 911, dispatch an ambulance, transport the victim to a trauma center, and perform the necessary, life-saving intervention. Which means trauma is "time sensitive", and there is no time to waste.
Trying to locate a relative or your medical records can use up that critical hour where a life is in the balance. This is when a medical information card can give First Responders or Emergency Room Personnel the information they need to treat you.
Information that is typically included on a medical information card will be:
*Name and Address
*Date of Birth and Blood Type
*Three emergency (3) contacts with their phone numbers
*Primary Physicians (2) names and phone numbers
*Medical Condition/History (Use this to describe any operations, implants, etc.)
*Medicines (Includes dosage and times per day)
*Allergies (This can be critical information in an ER)
*Date Issued (Card should always be kept up to date)
*Photo (This is Optional, but what better way to make sure the card goes with the person?)
It is also recommended that older people in particular should carry a medical information card, since they'll be the ones most likely taking several medications. Also, parents ought to compile a card for each child, recording chronic medical problems and medications.
Additionally, the card should be kept up to date, particularly when medications or dosages change, you move or change doctors. The best place to carry your card is in your wallet next to your driver's license or other personal information. In an emergency, your wallet is typically the first place someone will go for information when seeking information on an unconscious patient.
Medical Information Cards are also great when you are just visiting the doctor and the question is asked about any medications you are taking, the info is right there in your wallet. Finally, the need for up to date information that can be used by First Responders and Emergency Room Personnel cannot be overstated.
While there are many ways you can create a we have found that a durable plastic card works the best. Too many times a paper card will deteriorate and become unreadable
While there are many ways you can create a we have found that a durable plastic card works the best. Too many times a paper card will deteriorate and become unreadable
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