topic Re: Emergencies can happen…. in Community Chat

Emergencies can happen….

jlkz — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:36:24 GMT

Now that the adrenalin has subsided and its aftermath, I would like to recommend being prepared for emergencies.

This last Thursday, DH woke me at 5:30 AM to call 911 as he couldn't stand up. His pressure was 79/44 which is very low even with the heart meds he is on. The EMT's arrived and I handed them the typed updated list of all his meds and dosages. I was told to clear a path through the house and approaching the front door for the gurney. They stabilized him with an IV and took heart monitor readings.

As soon as they left, I locked up and took the grab bag and drove to the hospital. By 1:00 all the vitals were back to normal. Cardiologist agreed that DH had mistakenly taken double the night heart meds which keep his pressure low.

Suggestions:

Keep a meds list current ( dated with dosages ) and have copies ready for doctor office visits and EMTs. Add any OTC products taken that day.

Have a grab and go bag ready: change of clothes, slip on shoes, toothpaste and brush, readers, and some small denomination bills for cash.

Have some reading material for both of you....the waiting can be very lengthy.

Have a shawl or sweater....hospital rooms can be very cold.

Have a tote bag for all the things you will end up carrying for both of you...ideally, your purse can also fit in it.

Keep your car gas tank at least a quarter to half full so there is no need to stop for fuel en route to hospital.

When this type emergency occurs, it is amazing how thoughts can get scattered....this adds to the already heightened stress level. If you never have to use any of this, at least you can know that things are in place for quick access.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

millieshops — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:40:55 GMT

@jlkz Those of us who live in hurricane prone areas can use some of your advice, too. Good list!

Glad DH's docs knew what to do!

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Lisa Y — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:43:49 GMT

First, I'm glad to hear that your husband is ok after such a scary event @jlkz . You offered some really good ideas for emergencies. It also sounds like you didn't panic, which is important, too. I will be getting a bag ready today.
Thank you for this information.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

teganslaw — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:53:38 GMT

I already do that. My husband was in and out of the hospital a few years ago with back problems, so I was prepared ahead of time.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Mz iMac — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:09:53 GMT

@jlkz "DH had mistakenly taken double the night heart meds"

Would this had of helped?

Re: Emergencies can happen….

justashopper — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:28:39 GMT

@jlkz

I am sorry this happened and thankfully DH is ok. Thank you for the advice. We had a serious health event happen in our family, too. I now keep an overnight bag in my trunk with all the things you mentioned, including a tote bag. I like your addition of the reading material. I hadn't thought of that but agree, important to have when waiting. Even though I tend to read the same page 10 times.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

meallen616 — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:34:54 GMT

@jlkz,

Glad your husband is ok. I usually keep everything close by in a bag since we in New Jersey get hit hard with storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Thank you for this post,

Re: Emergencies can happen….

MamaWick — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:37:33 GMT

@jlkz I am so glad your husband is okay. You have given very good advice!

Re: Emergencies can happen….

qualitygal — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:44:56 GMT

So glad he's ok. I too just dug out the pill cases. They are different looking, so one can be a.m. and one p.m. You do need something like the case shown (good idea) to help the pill taker keep them straight. I hate thinking, did I take that pill or not? Those little boxes are such a help. I also carry a card in my wallet of his med's, dosages, and anything else worth noting.

Our medical records are supposed to be on file on the computer. But I swear they have to ask over each time. I'm done hauling all the little plastic containers. On a 3 x 5 works just fine.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

phoenixbrd — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 12:56:20 GMT

@jlkz Grateful that your husband was in good hands and that he is well. Thanks for your experience and excellent advice. Your organizational skills were vital and helpful for us.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Yahooey — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:21:56 GMT

snacks, water and phone charger

ER takes hours unless u are bleeding or having a seizure

i had my parents pill bottles in a bag

they have all the necessary info to fill it in

Re: Emergencies can happen….

chrystaltree — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:27:28 GMT

Excellent advice. I take a lot of medications and supplements, I keep everything in a go bag. Even the OTC stuff. There's a spare pair of classes and a debit card and $50 in the bag. If any type of emergency happens, I would just grab the bag, my phone and go.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Mz iMac — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 13:51:02 GMT

Just curious......

The items in your "grab bags," do you "freshen up & change clothes" in the ER public bathroom?

Is the $$$ for hospital vending machine snacks and/or hospital cafateria?

Should the grab bag also include "copies" of your insurance card-front & back?

Re: Emergencies can happen….

teganslaw — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:02:29 GMT

@Mz iMac , In my situation I never had to change clothes in the ER rest room. If my husband was admitted, I went home since there was no point in staying at the time.

No reason to take money because the cafeteria is cashless in the hospital I went to: they're only credit or debit. Vending machines take both credit and cash.

I keep insurance cards in my handbag, but several times they didn't ask for the cards because the information is already in their computer.

As far as medicine, I grabbed the recent ones that are in the bathroom cabinet. Didn't have to store them in the tote bag.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

mspatmac — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 14:51:19 GMT

For tornado/hurricanes/power outages I also have a portable phone charger, dog food and bowl, bottle of water. Wonderful advice. When you only have yourself to depend on its important to be prepared.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

BlueFinch — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 16:41:27 GMT

@jlkz So glad to hear your DH is okay. I've been through these unexpected events. It's physically and emotionally draining.

Thanks for posting your take on emergencies. Some of the panic can definitely be lessened by preparedness. Your suggestions are on point for everyone.

Re: Emergencies can happen….

hckynutjohn — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:20:30 GMT

@jlkz

Been there more times than I care to remember, for both my wife and myself. Most recent was mid April when my BP dropped to 50/30. Have everything I needed in the bag I always have with me when out, or at home.

My 2nd heart attack my wife was at work. I checked my Oxygen Saturation and Blood Pressure in each arm. When my right arm BP Registered Zero, I called 911. Made sure our felines were ok, locked all the doors. Sat in a chair in my driveway and waited for Rescue Squad to arrive. Told them I knew I was having a heart attack.

Paramedic put in IV Fluid to get my BP up/they put on the 12 lead EKG, and said. "Yep, you are having a heart attack", and off we went.

Good tips to be ready when unplanned things happen.

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Sooner — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 17:29:47 GMT

OP, sorry you had had issues, but thankfully they were resolved!!!!

OP has given us all great advice. My go bag is a small sized roll along bag. The wheels make it possible to take what I need for a several day stay (lived in hospitals a few months with spouse one time), one weeks of pills are there, but I do need the printouts which I hadn't thought of! Great advice and thanks to OP!

Re: Emergencies can happen….

SeaMaiden — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 18:49:05 GMT

@jlkz Thankyou for sharing....glad to hear your DH is feeling better❤️

Re: Emergencies can happen….

Still Raining — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:35:29 GMT

Glad this turned out well for you and DH. Such a scare.

Another thing to consider is our own medications. I have mine in a box I can grab and take. I also have a few days reserve at DD's in case I get stuck there. Very reassuring to me.