How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency

Practical steps to organize your health information and decision-making preferences in advance of a medical emergency.

1. Centralize Your Health Information. Many families find it helpful to create a 'medical summary' document. This is a simple, living record that includes current diagnoses, a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications with dosages, known allergies, and the contact information for all primary care physicians and specialists. Keeping this in a physical folder or a secure digital location that is easily accessible to family members or emergency responders can streamline communication during a crisis. In addition to your medical summary, some people choose to keep a list of insurance information, including policy numbers and primary contact details for their health insurance provider. If you have questions about specific coverage or benefits, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for unbiased guidance.
2. Clarify Your Care Preferences. Medical emergencies often involve complex decision-making. Advance directives are legal documents that outline your preferences for care if you are unable to speak for yourself. These typically include a living will, which specifies the types of medical treatments you would or would not want, and a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare, which designates a person to make medical decisions on your behalf. Because these documents have legal implications, it is standard practice to consult with an elder-law attorney to ensure they are drafted correctly according to your state's requirements. Once these documents are in place, ensure that your designated healthcare proxy has a copy and knows where the originals are stored.