What Your Doctor Wants You to Know: Emergency Medical Preparedness

When disaster strikes your medical needs don't take a break. Proper preparation can mean the difference between managing a crisis and facing a medical emergency on top of everything else. 

Here's what every patient should know about staying medically prepared when the unexpected happens. 

Get Your Prescriptions Filled Before You Need Them 

Don't wait until you're down to your last few pills. Most insurance plans allow for early refills during declared emergencies, and many will cover a 90-day supply instead of the usual 30 days. Call your pharmacy as soon as you hear about potential severe weather or other threats to your area. 

Keep medications in their original bottles with clear labels. This is especially crucial if you need emergency medical care and providers need to know exactly what you're taking. Store them in a cool, dry place, and remember that extreme temperatures can affect medication effectiveness. 

Create a Medical Information Kit 

Prepare a waterproof folder or bag containing copies of important medical documents. Include your medication list with dosages, medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts and your primary care doctor's information. Don't forget insurance cards and identification. 

Take photos of these documents with your phone as a backup, but remember that cell service may be unreliable during emergencies. Physical copies remain your most dependable option. 

Plan for Medical Equipment and Special Needs 

If you or a loved one depends on electrical medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, or dialysis equipment, contact your utility company now to register for priority power restoration. Many companies maintain priority lists for medically vulnerable customers. 
 
Have backup power sources ready like battery packs, generators or car adapters where appropriate. Know how long your backup power will last and have a plan for getting to a medical facility if needed. Contact your equipment supplier about loaner equipment or backup options during extended outages. 

Stock Emergency Medical Supplies 

Beyond your regular medications, keep a well-stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, a thermometer and any supplies specific to your condition, like glucose tablets for diabetics or extra inhalers for asthma patients. 

Don't forget about basic health maintenance items: hand sanitizer, soap, extra glasses or contact lenses and a toothbrush and toothpaste. 

Know Your Emergency Medical Plan 

Identify which hospitals and urgent care centers are closest to your home and workplace. Know their locations and multiple routes to get there, as your usual route may be blocked during an emergency. 

If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, discuss with your doctor what warning signs should prompt immediate medical attention during an emergency. Write these down and keep the list with your medical kit. 

Prepare for Communication Challenges 

Program important numbers into your phone and write them down separately. Include your doctor's office, pharmacy, insurance company and emergency contacts. Remember that during widespread emergencies, phone lines may be overwhelmed. 

If you take multiple medications or have complex medical conditions, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or keeping a medical information card in your wallet. 

Special Considerations for Caregivers 

If you care for elderly parents, young children, or anyone with special medical needs, their emergency plans are just as important as yours. Ensure they have adequate medication supplies, medical information readily available and backup plans for their specific needs. 

For children, include comfort items and any special foods or formula they require. For elderly family members, consider medication management systems and ensure they have easy access to their medical information. 

Emergency Care is Close

The best time to prepare for a medical emergency is before you need to. Start with getting your prescriptions filled and creating your medical information kit. These two steps alone will put you ahead should disaster strike. If you need emergency care, CaroMont Health offers three emergency care locations including a designated a Level III Trauma Center at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. Learn more about your options here: https://caromonthealth.org/services/emergency-care/