🩺 Emergency Preparedness for Family Caregivers: What to Have Ready Before You Call 911
When Every Second Counts
Medical emergencies can be chaotic, especially when caring for someone at home. As a family caregiver, you are often the first responder — the one who must stay calm, call for help, and provide crucial information in moments that matter most. Being prepared doesn’t just make emergencies smoother; it ensures your loved one receives the right care, faster.
1. Gather Essential Medical Information
Start with a comprehensive health record that you can hand to paramedics or bring to the emergency room. Include:
A current medication list (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor)
All diagnoses, allergies, and recent surgeries
Copies of health cards and insurance information.
2. Create an “Emergency Grab Folder”
Store key health documents in a visible, clearly labeled folder near the home entrance — paramedics should be able to grab it quickly. Include:
Medication list and health summary
Emergency contacts (family, physicians, home care providers)
Power of Attorney and advance directives
Most recent lab results or discharge summaries
3. Discuss Goals of Care in Advance
These conversations can be difficult — but they’re critical. Talk about advance care directives, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, and preferred hospitals or facilities before an emergency happens. Even a brief discussion with your loved one’s care team can help ensure decisions reflect their wishes.
4. Prepare the Home for Emergency Responders
When 911 is called, responders need fast, safe access. Make it easy for them by:
Keeping the address clearly visible from the street
Listing medical devices (oxygen, feeding pumps, etc.) near the patient’s area
Ensuring pathways are clear and pets are secured
5. Stay Calm and Focused When 911 is Called
When help is on the way:
Grab the Emergency Folder and medication bag
Bring the patient’s health card and ID
Be ready to share a quick health summary (diagnoses, allergies, medications, events leading up to the call)
If possible, call a family member or friend to meet you at the hospital
Remember — being organized helps you stay calm. Paramedics appreciate clear information more than anything else in those critical minutes.
Caregiver Confidence Starts with Preparation
Emergencies are never easy, but preparation transforms fear into readiness. Creating a simple system — even just one binder and one folder — ensures your loved one’s care is never delayed because of missing information.