What To Bring With You to the Emergency Room
To care for you or your loved one, the clinical team needs to have as much background health information as possible. This includes medical history, medications, and any other substances that may have been ingested, whether they are herbal remedies, illegal drugs or cigarettes. To avoid any unintended drug interactions, it is important to be truthful and share all the information.
Circumstances will vary for each individual, but in general, you will be asked for the following in the emergency room:
- List of all current medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements as well as medicated creams and ointments, eye drops, inhalers, medication pumps or other medicines not taken by mouth
- List of dosages of each medication, when you take it and when your last dose was
- List of any other substances you use such as tobacco, vape pens and illicit or recreational drugs or substances
- List of any implants or devices you may have, such as a joint replacement or a pacemaker
- Name of your primary care provider
- List of known allergies and medication reactions
- Medical history, including conditions and prior surgeries
- Telephone numbers of family, friends or next of kin
- Pharmacy name, location and phone number
- Insurance card and related information
In addition to bringing the needed information, please leave all valuables at home.