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New caregiver- ER advice!

Caregivers | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (12)

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Profile picture for Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn

@terribwyo The order of the day is patient first, car second. In an emergency situation, ALWAYS pull up to the ER doors, unload your patient and escort into the ER (there are nearly always wheelchairs by the door), get them to the triage/registration area, then go park your car. Usually you can ask, and there is a small dedicated ER parking area nearby, but not always. We have been in ER's all over the country and have never done any differently.
As to what to take, always bring his insurance cards and ID, any recent doctor's notes if you are outside his care network, and current list of all meds. Here is an excerpt from a recent post by @ocdogmom: "...Also, whenever I have to take him to a doctor's appointment, imaging center, emergency room, chemo appointment, I take my "go bag". This is a backpack that is filled with tissues (for his constant runny nose) his diabetic supplies, snacks for both of us, water, a book for me to read, a change of clothes and disposable underpants( he is incontinent) and anything else that I think would be helpful to either of us. For your sister it may be a small favorite object or some photos of loved ones that you may be able to distract her with while waiting..." I would add a sweater or hoodie for each of you, favorite snacks, water bottle for you (he should only have what ER gives him) and phone charger.
I hope he is doing okay now.

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Replies to "@terribwyo The order of the day is patient first, car second. In an emergency situation, ALWAYS..."

@sueinmn
My daughter has a serious illness, and have for years taken care of my Mom, Dad and Husband. I keep a "Hospital Bag" by the door at all times with items I would need immediately for an ER visit, including a notebook and some pens and a phone charger. If she is likely to be admitted, I also have a bag ready that I can put at the car at the last minute with things like a change of clothes and toiletries for myself, a blanket, pillow, computer tablet, etc. Like you said, I always drive up to the emergency drop off area, get someone to help me get my loved one inside, and then go park the car. I carry copies of my, my husbands, and my daughters current medicine lists, as well as their IDs and Insurance cards in my purse at all times - you never know. I'd suggest taking some time when you are not in an urgent situation to make a list of everything you think you might use. My daughter also keeps her own bag ready at her home. I refine my list with every experience. As you can tell, I am a bit OCD, but it works for me - I've had a lot of experience over the years though.