7/16/09: Jamie Mackelprang RN, Teresa Bischoff RN, Marlee Henderson CNA
Emergency Department Preparedness
When you come to the emergency department you typically aren’t feeling well. Sometimes you are confused, or unable to think clearly because of a medical condition or that of a family member.
In order to treat you appropriately, the Kane County Hospital medical staff need to know of any allergies to; medications, environment or food, the medications being used and your medical history. The business office personnel will require your current insurance information, contact phone numbers and current address. The staff is frequently told, "It’s in my records," by patients. The emergency department does not readily have access to clinic medical records, especially after hours, on weekends or holidays.
It is also difficult and time consuming to attempt to identify medications in an unmarked pill container or a simple statement of ,"I take a blood pressure pill, the little white one." There are a million little white pills.
A pre-printed list, kept in your wallet listing all medication currently being used, including vitamins or herbal supplements, allergies to medications or other substances, your medical history including surgeries, and insurance information enables your medical providers and business office personnel to treat you in a more timely manner. A list of medical providers and their phone numbers is also appreciated.
