What should I take to the emergency room (ER)?

When going to the emergency room (ER), it is very helpful to bring a typed-out list of your current medications, allergies and your current doctors—both primary doctor and any specialists, along with a list of your medical problems. If everyone brought that kind of list with them to the ER, the jobs of healthcare professionals would be much easier.

Here’s a list of items you should take to the emergency room (ER)—but please use common sense and don’t waste time looking for these items in a medical emergency:

• bucket, if nausea present
• comfort items, blankets, pillow, teddy bear
• insurance card
• photo ID card
• copy of health history sheet—medical history/medication list
• minimized copy of recent EKG
• blood pressure log
• advance directives, consent to treat minors documents
• medical device ID cards and/or manuals
• medication bottles (if pocket med card is not available)
• contact numbers/cell phone
• toys or books for child
• pen and paper to take notes
• your copy of my Doc’s ER Guide
• hand sanitizer
• coins for vending machines
• tissues

More tips for going to the ER include:

• Know that ERs can be quite chilly! Last time I was a patient the wall clock showed a temperature of 67 degrees, so bring a sweater or jacket. Yes, you can get a blanket but they are usually in short supply.
• Leave patient valuables at home whenever possible!
• If the trip is necessary because of poisoning or overdose, be sure to bring the container for the item ingested, if possible.
• If a body part is severed, place it in a plastic bag and seal it. Then put the sealed bag in cold water and ice and keep it with the owner!

Patients should bring identification, medication lists, medical history and a family member's contact information to the emergency room.