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CREATE EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS

Emergency Contact Cards

Emergency contact cards can prevent a bad situation from getting worse. An unexpected emergency can shatter the lives of any family at any time. But, by creating wallet-sized emergency contact cards, you and your loved ones will be more prepared if a sudden crisis strikes.

Each year, emergency rooms treat millions of patients. Many patients in critical condition arrive at the ER unable to communicate with the emergency room personnel.

In most cases, a driver’s license or an identification card is the only clue to the identity of these patients. Unfortunately, licenses rarely display information that is vital to the patient's case, such as emergency contact information, allergies, and medical history.

Without emergency contact information, hospital staff cannot immediately locate family members or access medical information that would be critical to treating the patient. Tragically, some patients die in emergency rooms without any of their family members present. By the time the families are eventually notified, it is often too late.

Fortunately, you can prevent this heartbreaking scenario from happening to your extended family.

You can ready your family for an unforeseen medical emergency by printing and distributing emergency contact cards to every member of your family:

  • First, you will need to gather information about your family members. Compile this data in a detailed list. You will later transfer this information to your emergency contact cards.

    Some key areas to cover in your research are medical conditions and allergies, emergency contact names and phone numbers, and physician contact information.

    When you list medical conditions, make sure to list any allergies your family might have to medication. All medical conditions that you are aware of should be noted.

    Emergency contact information should include names, phone numbers and addresses. List at least three reliable contacts for each family member. Remember to include alternate or cell phone numbers for each contact on this list.

    It is a good idea to list out-of-town relatives or friends, as well as local contacts.
  • After collecting the emergency information from your family, produce your cards.

    The American Red Cross and Med IDs provide free, ready-made, printable emergency contact cards. Simply transfer the emergency data you gathered to the cards.

    If you prefer, you can create your own emergency contact cards with any word-processing program. If you choose the self-made cards, make sure you include all of the information your family would need in the event of a medical emergency.
  • Print the emergency contact cards on heavier-stock paper. If possible, laminate the cards so your family can hang on to them for a while.

    You can purchase card-stock paper at any office-supply store. Most of these stores also offer laminating services for a nominal fee.
  • Pick a date every year to review the emergency contact cards. Glance at the information to make sure none of the contact names, numbers or other essential details have changed. Print out new cards for your extended family as often as needed.