One classic example is a senior citizen who dials 911. Paramedics arrive on the scene and the senior is not able to give any details of their condition .  They may lay unconscious or incoherent.  Without this important medical history, paramedics will have to collect all of the medication in the home and take it to the ER with the patient.  Time is wasted trying to identify and collect the patient’s medications and medical history.  In a real emergency situation, this could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Having brief , detailed medical history which is quickly attainable by paramedics in the event of an emergency should be a top priority for all families with young children or aging seniors living alone.  The solution is simple yet rarely put into practice .

Step 1: Complete a detailed medical history profile and update it every 6 months.  See below for a complete list of what should be included in the medical history profile.

Step 2: Put the medical profile in a plastic baggie with a large medical white cross on the outside.  Other items to include in the baggie might be: EKG, DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), Living Will.

Step 3: Place the baggie on the refrigerator door at eye level.

Step 4: Place a 4×4 decal on the front door instructing paramedics to go to the refrigerator to obtain a complete medical history.

What to include in your medical history kit :

Name
Birth date
Physician
Dentist
Eye doctor
Emergency Contact person
Blood Type
Male/Female
Height
Weight
Your current medical condition
List prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking
Drug sensitivity and allergies (describe)
Name of health insurance carrier
Group Number or Membership Number (from pocket card)
Have you ever been told you had one of the following?
Lung disorder – yes / no
High blood pressure – yes / no
Heart trouble – yes / no
Nervous disorder – yes / no
Disease or disorder of the digestive tract – yes / no
Any form of cancer – yes / no
Disease of the kidney – yes / no
Diabetes – yes / no
Arthritis – yes / no
Hepatitis – yes / no
Malaria – yes / no
Disease or disorder of the blood? (describe)
Any physical defect or deformity? (describe)
Any vision or hearing disorders? (describe)
Any life-threatening conditions? (describe)
Personal Medical History
-Have you been treated by a physician or been disabled or hospitalized during the last year? (describe)
-Have you had or been advised to have a surgical operation within the last five years? (describe)
-Date of last physical
-Date of last tetanus shot
-Family history — list important medical problems of your parents (mother and father)
Any other special medical information

MedFirst Alert provides medical alert systems and is a proud sponsor of the Senior Life Saver Project.  Download your free Senior Life Saver Kit  or order a complete kit from MedFirst Alert.