I just updated the contents of an envelope that stays in prominent view on a little table next to my outside door. It's marked on the outside in big blue letters "EMS". It also details the contents: a list of my medical conditions; a medications list, including both prescription and OTC meds; my living will and EMS do-not-resuscitate (DNR) instruction; and a list of emergency contacts. The medical history has the name and phone number of my primary physician and a note of my blood type and drug sensitivities.

There are two copies of each of the documents in the envelope.

I made additional copies of the medical history and meds list to carry in my car--saves time if I have to go to an unfamiliar doctor or urgent care center.

I'm elderly and have assorted health problems, and live alone. This practice, which I've followed for some years, seems like a good precaution. But anything can happen to any of us at any time, so you might want to consider it too.

My niece, a retired paramedic, once told me that the info I've laid out is something EMS dreams of. It doesn't take a lot of time to prepare and print, and could save my life. Or yours.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I've carried a list of my meds and family contacts but your idea goes further and I like it. I shall do same.

Mike, I like it .. I have that info on an app that came on my cell phone. Think ill make your hardcopy too. Great idea for us "timers".

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Bill
Dis B. Leaf

I am a former chairman of a local TRIAD group which is an organization consisting of senior citizens and law enforcement. We provide Yellow Dot kits to seniors. This includes a plastic envelope and a form that can be filled out with medical info and emergency contacts. It also includes a sticker that you can put on your car window to make EMS aware that the info is in your glove compartment.

If you have a local organization that might be interested in this kits are available here: StoreSMART: International Yellow Dot Program

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Corripe Cervisiam

As a retired Paramedic I wholly agree with this!

That’s a great idea. My wife is allergic to many foods and medications that have, over the years, required hospitalization. Her allergist says it’s simpler to list the things she isn’t allergic to. She carries a card with her at all times with her medical information, doctors name and number, a list of the offenders and an epipen.

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A gun has no brain.. use yours

Sage advice. I keep a med list and a pacemaker card in my wallet.

I'm gonna need a bigger wallet soon.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

Great idea! I have a list of my meds in the computer, but I think I'll put the other information in there too, and spread various copies around. Problem is that my meds are constantly changing; I go to a doctor tomorow and I may come home with a prescription for something that's not on the list. I also have a date on my list, one that the computer changes to the current date every time I print it out.

I'm 64 and in good health now, never having really been sick. My older brother had a heart attack and died in 1998. I started then with yearly physicals, and followed advice of my doctor. Changed eating habits, lost weight to the point my doctor said not to overdo it. I do take pills now to help control blood pressure and triglycerides successfully and continue regular checkups. The only problems I have ever had was in the late 60's before I discovered I wasn't indestructible. After 2 broke legs, hip, arm, head and 28 day coma, and 4 months in the hospital in '68 after an accident, I found sense enough to marry a very nice and intelligent girl in 1970. Been 45 years now, and they said it wouldn't last. I even carry a card in my wallet listing my medications I take now. Would like maybe another 45 or so. Take care of yer'self n' yern'.

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Just a shooter

There was a slight accident, he was ok, but out cold with wild eye activity. I told the paramedic about the conditions I knew and even the location of some brain damage that was the cause of the seizures. They scoffed at me like 'why are you giving us this information'?

Oh, BTW, that is a GREAT idea that you have.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Senior centers here require that information be posted on the refrigerator door for quick access for EMS.

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Eccentric old coot

However I might leave that personal info in a more secure spot inside, but quickly visable. Trying to obtain that info from a forgetful,panicked/unconscious/non English speaking patient can be a nightmare.

I remember local EMS (or maybe it was a television station?) giving out little plastic vials with red caps about thirty years ago. Seniors were urged to put all their medical information inside and place it in the door of their refrigerator where EMS would look for it if needed. Good idea, but I haven't seen anything like it since.

Sounds like good advice here as I'm 62 and living alone now. My concern is my door may be locked and maybe I could just manage a 911 call. I guess they'd be able to break down the door okay.
I have ICE in my iPhone but I keep it locked. Can police unlock my phone if I'm unable to or would they know to use my finger on the unlock button? Should I maybe keep it unlocked instead?

A suggestion:
Put a photo of yourself in there too...

A fairly current one, not the one from your HS yearbook where you look really good

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In dog years I'm dead.

This complex doesn't have a system for this kind of thing. I decided on the envelope thing because I knew they'd have to pass it on the way in and the way out of my apartment. Putting it on the computer or a phone isn't going to help if I'm unconscious; and if someone is with me when EMS arrives it may be someone who doesn't know all the info or is too rattled to give it accurately--something I understand paramedics encounter a lot.

I wear a pair of medical dog tags and carry wallet cards for when I'm away from home, but that's less and less of my time these days.

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Oh well, what the hell.

You can edit your basic info into a small graphics file, and set that as your phone's default background image. The info can be seen even if the phone is locked.

Great idea, Mike, and sounds like this kind of thing has been done in other places as well. Thanks for looking out for your brothers and sisters here on the Forum.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

My wife and I carry a similar information sheet in our back pockets whenever we're out on my Harley. It's a regular part of our riding gear.

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- Change it back -

I don't take any medicine of note or have any relevant medical history. However, my grandmorher and great grandmother both had files like that at their senior center. I think theirs too were on the fridge.