Click here to download an emergency information sheet for your home.

No one anticipates an emergency and being transported to the hospital. Emergency injuries are unexpected, and your home, while it may seem like the safest place, is often one of the most dangerous places. One out of every three emergency room visits involves injuries as a result of home accidents or recreation.

So how do you prepare for the unexpected? Think about information that can help emergency responders do their job more efficiently, and quickly notify your loved ones that you’ve experienced an emergency.

Place your health and emergency contact information on an easily accessible emergency information sheet. The paramedic or emergency medical technician can refer to this for crucial information that can be relayed to the hospital and your emergency contact. This information sheet is especially helpful to first responders if you’re unconscious, however, the stress of an emergency can make it difficult to recall and relay information.

What should you include on this emergency information sheet, beyond the contact information for your doctors, health providers and designated contact person? Some things to think about when completing your emergency information list include:

Information for emergency responders

In an emergency situation, it’s easy to get flustered and forget important information. Make a list of your medical conditions, allergies and current medications. Specify any implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker, to alert emergency responders about it. This list will allow the emergency responder to help you in the best way possible, and avoid giving you medications or treatment that might have a negative reaction.

Emergency responders that transport you to the hospital will need your records, including your date of birth and your insurance information. List any medical aids, such as hearing aids, glasses or dentures, so emergency responders know to bring them with you to the hospital.

Indicate your preference for a hospital, if you have one. Provide contact information for your next of kin or designated emergency contact person so paramedics can notify that person about your emergency.

Medical Care Instructions

This section should address important documents that outline your wishes for medical care. Notate if you have a living will, which provides clear instructions about your wishes on life-saving measures, and where it is kept. A living will comes into effect when you are unconscious or unable to communicate your wishes.

Indicate if you have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and where it is kept. Your DNR can’t be honored if it is not present.

Be sure your emergency contact is aware of your living will and DNR order, if you have one. Their acknowledgement and understanding of your wishes for medical care ensures that they will be followed.

Information on handling your personal affairs

A portion of the list should include information that will help your emergency contact person take care of your children, pets and personal affairs while you are in the hospital. Include contact information for others who should be notified and specify with whom we should leave your house key.

If you have children or pets, designate who should be contacted to take care of them in an emergency where you are unable to communicate. It is very stressful for children to see someone sick or injured and to accompany their parent or caregiver in an ambulance. First responders won’t leave children at home alone during an emergency. Choose an emergency caregiver – preferably someone who is nearby and is familiar with your child, perhaps a family member – to take care of him. Note any important information about your child including medications that he may need, where it is kept and how much to give him.

Pets should also be considered during your emergency planning. Include who will take care of your pets while you’re in the hospital. Write down care and feeding instructions, veterinarian’s contact information, and where you keep their food and medication.

It’s crucial that this information sheet is updated often as things change in your life. Put this in a common area, such as hanging on the refrigerator, so that you know exactly where it is and paramedics can spot it easily. It is also a good idea to put this information in your cell phone under the contact name “ICE” (this stands for ‘in case of emergency’).