The Jan. 5 letter “Keep list of meds in case of emergency” contained excellent advice as far as hospitals are concerned. Related to that is the importance of having a list of medications on your person if it should be necessary for an EMT to work on you after an accident or serious illness and you aren’t conscious.
About a year ago it was necessary for me to be transported from the doctor’s office to the hospital. I was conscious and fully coherent. so when asked, I was able to give the EMT all the information he needed. He told me that I should put the list of medications on a small card about the same size as my driver’s license and carry it right next to the license so it is plainly visible if the EMT needs to identify you.
He noted that by law they are only allowed to search your property to the extent of verifying your identity. With the list right next to the license, they have the necessary info right there. He said in my case that some of the medicine I was taking was not compatible with medications that they routinely use. Had I been unconscious there could have been a problem.
I now carry a card about the size of my license, and laminated to preserve it. I made one up for my wife as well, and like American Express, we never leave home without them. Remember, it’s only worthwhile if you keep it updated. You’d be amazed how convenient it is when seeing a doctor. The first thing they want to know is what meds you take. How nice to just whip out the card and let their fingers do the walking.
William Landert
Marysville
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