Communication in a Medical Emergency Can Save Your Life

It is important to communicate during a medical emergency, and when you are not able speak for yourself. How will your doctor know your medical history in order to properly treat you. You need a convenient way to carry your emergency medical information with you at all times. 

"In a medical emergency, you might be unconscious or unable to speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "That's why it's so important to make sure that medical personnel have access to your medical history, as well as relevant contact information. For example, knowing what medications you are taking could prevent severe drug interactions, and knowing what allergies you have could prevent serious reactions."

Millions of Americans have medical conditions which should be immediately known to Emergency Personnel.
Diabetes (over 13 million), diagnosed heart disease (23 million), Alzheimer’s, transplant surgery, patient's currently on blood thinners such as Coumadin, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies, cancer patients and medication allergies such as penicillin and other antibiotics are all conditions that should be brought to the attention of emergency personnel. Additionally, many of us are reasonably health but getting older (36 million people age 65 and over) and our list of medications continue to grow with the years.

With over 110 million emergency room visits a year, your emergency information may actually be the most important information of your life. According to quoted studies from The Institute of Medicine an estimate of 44,000 to 98,000 hospitalized Americans die each year from errors made from medical practitioners, and 7,000 dies because of medication mishaps.