Thursday, 14 May 2020

How to Organise an Emergency Medical History File

Staying organised is imperative when providing care to an ageing loved one, especially if they require urgent medical intervention and need to take specific medications on a daily basis. Creating a detailed emergency medical history file should form part of this organisation. After all, the mere existence of this file could save your loved one’s life!

Here’s what to include when compiling one from scratch.

1. Information regarding medication

This is the most important aspect of the emergency medical history file, so ensure that the information included is as detailed as possible. You will want to write down a list of all the names of the medications that your loved one is currently taking, along with the relevant dosages, and at what time each tablet should be taken.

2. Information regarding allergies

As every caregiver knows, allergies can pose dangerous consequences – hence the reason why it’s imperative that anyone dealing with your loved one is well aware that they exist. Don’t only list allergies to medications or foods. You should also note if your elderly relative is allergic to any adhesives.

Finally, along with listing the allergies themselves, be sure to add details in terms of how severe the resultant reactions are likely to be.

3. Information regarding medical diagnoses

Include details regarding any medical conditions with which your loved one has been formally diagnosed. Further to this, don’t forget to mention if they have succumbed to any falls or injuries in recent times, or suffered any heart or brain problems (heart attack, stroke, etc.)

4. Information regarding legalities

Does your ageing relative have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in place or a Client Care Plan? Do they have a legal document stating their chosen medical power of attorney (POA)? If so, ensure that these documents are included in your emergency medical history file.

5. Information regarding tests

Throw in copies of any recent test results for reference, especially if your relative has undergone laboratory tests for anything other than routine reasons. These test results can make it easier for doctors and paramedics to assist your loved one despite not having access to a complete medical history.

Don’t forget to continually update your file following its creation. That way, in the event that you need to grab hold of it in a hurry, you can be absolutely certain that it contains all of the relevant essentials.

More in this Category: