Medical Records and Emergency Information - Keeping Them Up to Date

Who needs to keep their information available andpenicillin and other antibiotics are all conditions that
updated?should be brought to the attention of emergency
Actually, all of us should but very few do.personnel. Additionally, many of us are reasonably
However for those at risk, such as seniors,health but getting older (36 million people age 65
people with chronic illness, serious allergies orand over) and our list of medications continue to
medication complications, special needs childrengrow with the years. With over 110 million
and anyone traveling away from home it isemergency room visits a year, your emergency
something that should not be overlooked. Childreninformation may actually be the most important
should also have the proper medical informationinformation of your life.What information should be
on them at all times if they have a medicalmaintained?
condition or serious allergy."In a medicalHere are just some of the things recommended
emergency, you might be unconscious or unableby Edward Stettner, MD, Assistant Professor of
to speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD,Emergency Medicine, Emory University Atlanta,
of the American College of Emergency PhysiciansGA and other healthcare professionals.Medical
(ACEP). "That's why it's so important to makehistory - Chronic medical conditionsMedications -
sure that medical personnel have access to yourIncluding over-the-counterAllergies - Medications
medical history, as well as relevant contactand foodsSurgical history - Include the date,
information. For example, knowing whathospital and surgeonPrivate physician - Include
medications you are taking could prevent severeprimary care as well as specialistsEmergency
drug interactions, and knowing what allergies youcontacts - Multiple contacts with alternate
have could prevent serious reactions."Millions ofnumbersMiscellaneous - Include advance directives,
Americans have medical conditions which shouldspecific dietary needs, or any other important
be immediately known to Emergency Personnel.information.How can you keep your information
Diabetes (over 13 million), diagnosed heartavailable and up to date?
disease (23 million), alzheimers, transplant surgery,Today you have many options that allow you to
patient's currently on blood thinners such ashave your emergency information available. Which
Coumadin, epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies,one you choose should be based on your personal
cancer patients and medication allergies such asneeds and risk factors.