Ready for a Medical Emergency? - Positive Wellbein...

Positive Wellbeing During Self-Isolation

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Ready for a Medical Emergency?

FlowerPreciousLover profile image

My neighbor friend called Thurs almost hysterical: "Please call 911 and come down. Bob (in mid 80s) has fallen." When I hurried over, Judy was so red in the face, I was as concerned for her as for Bob. I have never seen someone so flushed. I asked her sit down and fortunately EMS arrived in minutes. Hooray for them!

While others tended to Bob, I asked another to take Judy's b.p. because I feared a stroke or heart attack. Her b.p. was high but not alarmingly so. Next day learned she flushes easily; her face was strawberry red!

Judy was in such shock that she couldn't give EMS information...his cardio's name, which hospital, what medicine's Bob takes. I reminded her that Bob had a pacemaker, named his cardio because he was the one I'd rec'd to them a few yrs ago and which hospital Bob had put his brother in.

The EMS team were great; it took 4 of them to lift Bob onto a guerney while a 5th one and I tried to get info from Judy.

I told her I couldn't drive her to the hospital because I am still out of commission with my back. She was in such shock she couldn't remember how to get to the nearby main street that would take her straight down to the hospital. I wrote directions for her, told her to take Bob's billfold, ins info, his glasses,her billfold, a mask, her glasses and more. Was there someone she could call to drive her or follow her to the hospital? No, she could do it. She called me about 10 minutes later to say that she had gone to the wrong hospital, much farther away! I asked if she had GPS on her phone or car and she did.

Incredibly there were no broken bones but a cut on his head and his glassy stare as they carted him to ambulance made me think maybe a stroke or heart attack.

A brain scan revealed a tumor on the brain which caused a seizure leading to his fall in the bathroom. Determination for surgery has not yet been made.

Living alone, I'd earlier prepared a folder "For Emergency" and have it on credenza by front door. It contains:

1. "Vial of Life" emergency info sheet (americanmedicalalarms.com);

2. Medical Directive Concerning Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (includes DNR) (don't have web site) Orders differ per state in U.S. and this lists for each.

3. List of doctors; 4. List of medications; 5. copy of insurance card and driver's license & location of hidden house key

Sharing with another single friend later about this and how Judy was in such shock she couldn't answer EMS questions or think about what she needed for the hospital, my friend had never considered making this emerg. info. readily available in case of emergency.

Medical emergency information may have been shared and discussed earlier on forums but witnessing first hand how neither the patient nor partner could not provide information to EMS alarmed me so I'm sharing my experience here.

It might be worth a few minutes of preparation to have this info. handy. Best to all.

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FlowerPreciousLover
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15 Replies

Great advice. On your fridge if you can place an ICE notice this will help emergency services. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency call xyz. It is recommended to put this in your mobile phone too under ICE

FlowerPreciousLover profile image
FlowerPreciousLover in reply toWindsorgardener5087

Thanks, Winds.. That is good information to have!

bobbybobb profile image
bobbybobbAmbassador

Very good advice. 👍😊

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44

This is a useful post and encourages us to leave an emergency list somewhere. I'd like to hear about any other members who may have experienced something similar. If so perhaps they could follow this useful email up with any other other suggestions or ideas.

Thanks for bringing this to our notice Flower.

FlowerPreciousLover profile image
FlowerPreciousLover in reply toRoadRunner44

You're welcome. Smiles

springcross profile image
springcross

What an awful experience for your neighbours FPL, they're lucky to have you living near them. The poor lady must have been beside herself with shock and worry. I do hope all will be well with them both, especially her poor husband. xx

FlowerPreciousLover profile image
FlowerPreciousLover in reply tospringcross

Thank you Spring. We find out Monday what comes next.

springcross profile image
springcross in reply toFlowerPreciousLover

🙏 xx

thara9643 profile image
thara9643

wow

Thank you, Jerry. We'll find out more tomorrow but Bob is doing well at present and Judy has had a little time to run home to shower/change and take a short respite. Only one visitor allowed per 24 hrs.

ArctoLindy profile image
ArctoLindy

I hope your friends are both doing better today? My phone has an ICE information page and I’ve filled in my health issues, medications, who to contact etc in case of an emergency

FlowerPreciousLover profile image
FlowerPreciousLover in reply toArctoLindy

Thank you Arcto for your good wishes. My friend had a horrific night because of a severe reaction to a med given and was moved to ICU. Now we wait until possibly Wed. to hear from docs their treatment plans for him

Excellent that you have impt. ICE info your cell phone and ever "at the ready" if needed! Sigh, I am so smart phone challenged, I am still s l o w l y becoming acquainted with its many basic options.

Sara_2611 profile image
Sara_2611

Excellent advice

cljones profile image
cljones

This is so true. Something I need to do myself.

Saine1 profile image
Saine1

Thank you for taking the time to remind us how important it is to organize this information and have it readily available!

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