From TNPC issue #4.02...

Information in the Right Hands - Revisited

by Dan Butler
January 25, 2001

Last issue's article (TNPC #4.01) on being prepared for emergencies with the information you need struck a chord with many of you. There were two basic responses. The vast majority of you agreed that gathering and sharing the key information that would be needed by your neighbors in the event of a serious emergency is a good idea. However, some of you expressed concern over even approaching your neighbors and were especially leery of sharing any of your personal information with them for various reasons. This is an unfortunate sign of our troubled times perhaps. You can read the previous article here:

http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/402/tr.cgi?dan1

If you are uncomfortable sharing information with your neighbors consider this as an alternative. TNPCer Jeff K., an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) with the Glen Cove, New York, Emergency Medical Services, has a form with all the information that could help emergency personnel save valuable time when treating you, your neighbor, or a loved one. Jeff says, "Properly filled out, it contains name, address, birth date, medical histories of surgeries, chronic illness, emergency contacts, physician contacts and medications being taken. It is invaluable for those who are elderly, chronically ill, and live alone. When they can't communicate, it helps the emergency worker in providing proper care." Find the form in PDF format here:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/402/tr.cgi?dan2
(Note this is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat to view.)

Fill the form out for each member of the household and have it available should an emergency arise. I would also put your local emergency services phone numbers in place of the Glen Cove information at the top and bottom of the form. Make sure each member of your family knows where this information is kept in the event that emergency service personnel need it. You might have a copy in an envelope plainly labeled EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFO stuck on your refrigerator to it is readily accessible. If warranted you might consider having this information on the person of anyone in your family that has a medical condition that could complicate treatment in an emergency.

In every case it's good to be prepared. You never know what will happen. Last issue I told the tale of what happened to my neighbor and how not having any contact information greatly complicated what turned out to be an extremely grave situation. I personally have been in a car fire, hail storms (tennis ball size), and a tall building hit by a tornado (less than 50 feet from me) all within the last couple of years. You just never know. When emergencies strike you have plenty to think about. Have your information ready, it could save your life.

Dan Butler can be reached at:
mailto:danbutler@thenakedpc.com

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