Keeping a Medication List Handy Can Save Your Life in an Emergency
No one ever plans to have an emergency, but when an emergency strikes, every minute counts. Keeping a medication list with you is one of the simplest ways to help first responders and emergency staff provide care efficiently and effectively when emergencies strike.
Accurate medical information is key to making safe decisions about your care. There are numerous medications that need to be assessed quickly when attempting to diagnose the emergency medical condition.
Things like blood thinners, diabetes mediation, antidepressants and pain medication can all change how providers treat you in an emergency. Even some over the counter medications and supplements can affect your lab values and treatment needed for your condition.
We see the impact every day in the ED. When patients come in for an emergency condition, they can’t always speak for themselves. Having a list of your medications will provide clues to your medical history that may not be available otherwise. This list will help the team focus on known conditions that can expedite treatment and ultimately give you the best treatment in what can sometimes be a chaotic situation.
Your medication list does not have to be complicated. Keeping a simple list of your medication with the dose and frequency is all we need. Including any allergies or adverse reactions you may have to medications is also important. Update your list any time a prescription changes. Save a copy on your phone, print it on a page and keep it in your wallet for easy access.
Emergencies happen when you least plan them. Don’t wait! Take a few minutes to make a current medication list today. This is a small thing that can have a big impact on your medical care when minutes count.