In Case Of Emergency

Sudden illnesses or injuries can be frightening. Knowing what to do in emergency situations ensures that you get the medical help needed to save the life of an elderly relative.

Emergency medical service units (EMS) respond to every call they receive and should be used only when a real emergency takes place. EMS units summoned for non-emergencies aren't available for true emergencies.

WHEN TO CALL 9-1-1

Emergency situations requiring immediate medical attention:

• Someone collapses suddenly or stops breathing.
• Complaints of chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Drug overdose. Older people may accidentally take too much of prescription or over-the-counter medications with serious consequences.
• Car accident when there are injuries or possible injuries.
• A fall or broken bone.
• Diabetic reaction – blood sugar is too low or too high.

WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

When you call for help, the EMS dispatcher may give you simple instructions to help the victim until the ambulance arrives.

Until it arrives:

• Remain as calm as possible.
• Do not allow the victim to move.
• Do not try to move the victim or allow anyone else to do so unless the victim is in immediate danger.
• Do not try to give an unconscious person food, liquid, or medication.
• Station someone outside the house to help EMS find the right house quickly. Turn on the porch light.

ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Have this key information up-to-date and readily accessible at your relative's house and update it regularly. Keep a copy for yourself if your relative does not live with you.

• Name, address, phone number.
• Emergency contact information for yourself and another responsible inpidual in case you can't be reached. Include home, work and cell phone numbers and your relationship to the older adult.
• Social Security number.
• Birth date.
• Height, weight, blood type (if known).
• Current and past medical conditions.
• Current list of medications (including over-the-counter drugs) and doses.
• Medication allergies.
• Physician's name and telephone number.
• Health insurance information.
• Indicate if the older person does not speak English (and his or her native language), cannot speak or has difficulty hearing.