6 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2022 |
By Tom Porter, SERT President
The other day I was speaking with an
OHCC resident whose spouse had been
taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
They had called 911, and both the fire truck and paramedics showed
up. While the first responders to arrive went to check on the ill
person, another fire fighter asked, "Do you have your spouse's medical
history?" It so happens that they both had their medical history
written down on the Vial of Life form (which can be found on the
SERT Website Vial of Life - Vial of Life Form) and supplemented this
information with a list of all significant surgeries (and the year they
were performed), all current medications (Rx, over-the counter, and
vitamins) with their dosage and when they are to be taken, allergic
reactions (to medications, food, environmental), and the name of all
their doctors (primary and specialists).
They also included:
• Blood type
• Advanced Directive
• Health Insurance, (Primary and Secondary - name and policy
number)
• Pharmacy name, address, and phone number
• Dental insurance
• Contact information of someone to be notified in the event of an
emergency.
These residents were totally prepared, and they also keep a copy of
this information in the glove box in their vehicles and a condensed
version in their wallets.
The fire fighter was impressed and commented that very few people
have anything written down. This information can have significant
impact on how, in an emergency, a patient is treated. Unfortunately,
emergency responders are often totally in the dark when no medical
information is readily available.
Please take this article to heart! Record your medical information,
keep it updated and in a handy place (mine is next to the refrigerator).
In SERT, we frequently talk about "Your Safety is Your
Responsibility!" SERT frequently asks how we help YOU be better
prepared for the unexpected. It does not seem like a day goes by
without seeing a fire truck or EMT Ambulance here in OHCC. What
you prepare for today could help save your life tomorrow.
Please stay safe!
YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
