Franklin Matters: Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

If a family member is sick at home, they might be at risk of being hospitalized. Please have an emergency "Go Bag" ready for the hospital. Remember, family members and visitors are not being allowed into hospitals so it's best to have it all at the ready.

These tips are worthwhile for all kinds of emergencies, so spending a few minutes now can help you for a long time to come!

Items for your "Go Bag":

Written, UPDATED and accurate list of medications: Name, Dose, Frequency, Initials after the name of medication are important too, such as: XL, XR, LA, IR, ER, SR.
Cell phone charger
List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper. If the patient is unconscious and the cell phone is locked or the battery is dead, hospital staff will need this.
Primary Care Doctor contact info: Full name, phone number, and office address and the patient's health insurance information, including the insurance company's name, address and phone number, policy ID or policy number.
A book (or magazine, downloaded audible book, etc.) to read.
Copies of: Health Care Proxy, Advance Medical Directive, Power of Attorney
If the patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator: a copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, and MRI compatibility.
If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
Extra batteries for hearing aid or other medical devices.
Leave copies of important papers on the side of your fridge, with a magnet. EMTs are trained to look there for emergency information in the event you contact 911 but you can't speak when they arrive.