Important Information to Carry

What information do I need to keep with me?

Everyone should carry a few basic items of information. But essential medical information will be different for each person. Although it may not seem relevant, knowledge of even the smallest medical detail could potentially be life saving.

• Medical problems: First, everyone should carry a complete list of all current and past medical problems. This should include chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV/AIDS, and cancers.
  
  
• Medical and surgical history: Also, list any illnesses, hospitalizations, or surgeries you have had in the past. This list should be comprehensive and should include a history of strokes, ulcers, sexually transmitted diseases, serious infections, and major or minor operations.
  
  
• Childbirth: Women should add a history of childbirth, including miscarriages, abortions, and cesarean sections as well as natural births.
  
  
• Current medications: You also need to carry a comprehensive list of any medication you are currently taking, how much you take (dosage), and how often you take it. Medicines such as blood thinners, water pills, blood pressure pills, and antiseizure treatments can all influence how you are treated during emergencies. Many medications have important interactions with one another. Doctors need this information to avoid potentially dangerous reactions. Included with this medication list should be any herbal, alternative, or over-the-counter medications you take because all of these can have potentially important effects on your treatment. Also, list any tobacco or recreational drug use, including alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Finally, keep a log on the type and dates you were immunized including the date of your last tetanus booster.
  
  
• Allergies to medicines: Equally important is a list of all medical allergies. Some people have very serious allergies to common medications. It is crucial for doctors to know this information when treating people. Essential allergies to list include aspirin, heparin, penicillin, sulfa-based drugs, and contrast dyes, but any other medical allergy should be listed. Additionally, try to describe the allergic reaction. Did you start itching after taking the medication? Did you develop a rash? Or did you have trouble breathing?
  
  
• Family medical history: Include a listing of family medical problems. A history of high blood pressure, diabetes, blood clots, cancer, and many other conditions can affect how you are treated in the hospital. Most important are the histories of parents, siblings, and children, but medical information about other family members may be pertinent as well.
  
  
• Phone numbers: Everyone should also carry a list of important phone numbers. It is important to list not only family members to contact in case of emergencies, but also any doctors, therapists, or other health care providers you see. All of these people can provide valuable information and can be very helpful during emergencies.
  
  
• Medical data: In addition to this basic information, you should carry individually important medical data. Some people may need to have copies of any abnormal laboratory tests or examinations. Others with heart disease should try to have a copy of their most recent ECG and results of heart catheterization (if they have had one), echocardiogram, or stress tests. Someone with anemia or HIV should try to list their most recent blood counts. Similarly people with liver or kidney disease need their most recent liver or kidney test results. Very often your primary care doctor can help you decide what information to carry.
  
  
• Children’s information: You need to keep copies of your children’s medical history as well. This should include not only all of the information just listed, but also a record of their childhood immunizations. If the child is old enough, he or she should be encouraged to carry their own medical records and contact phone numbers.