The Emergency File: A Simple Step That Can Save Lives

My name is Penny Golden. I am a registered nurse and the President of ElderCare Solutions, a geriatric care management company in the Chicago area. I have been visiting and working with the geriatric population my entire life and have learned many tips and tricks for problem-solving situations that, in the moment, seem insurmountable. Through this platform, I hope to share some of what I’ve learned to help others navigate the later years and add quality to their life. 

One tip I share with all my clients and families is how to prepare an organized file to streamline information sharing in the event of a medical emergency. Early on in my career as a care manager, I had a client suffer a medical emergency. Her caregiver called 911, and I met them in the Emergency Room of the local hospital. The client had a diagnosis of dementia, and the caregiver was flustered and overwhelmed. Neither was able to answer questions relating to the recent medical history, medication list, power of attorney for healthcare, or what precipitated her symptoms. Had I not been available to meet them with my file that had all the answers, her outcome may have looked very different. That was a lightbulb moment! If my client had a file folder that held all the information needed in such a situation, emergency treatment could get started sooner. The file could be helpful in other situations, as well, like first appointments with new healthcare providers, applying to retirement living communities, and even end-of-life care and paperwork. 

Putting the file together is a matter of knowing what to include and organizing the file in a way that is helpful. Start with photocopies of the individual’s photo identification (i.e., driver’s license, state ID, or passport) and insurance cards (front and back). Also include a copy of the Power-of-Attorney for Healthcare form and that person’s contact information, emergency contacts’ names and phone numbers, and the POLST (or DNR) form, if applicable. Also helpful is a current medication list, any allergies, current diet, and current medical history. (The medical history can include any chronic issues, history of falls, surgical history, and medical history for approximately three years.) 

The file should be kept in a place that is easily accessible, such as on top of refrigerator or in a magnetized pocket on the front of the refrigerator.  

This simple tip can save time, prevent anxiety, and make stressful situations easier to manage. 

Just my two cents!