Medical emergencies can happen when you least expect them and when you’re least prepared. While it’s hard to plan for emergencies, here are some tips from the Medicare Rights Center to help you get the best care as quickly as possible.

• Have emergency numbers on hand or at the press of a button. In addition to keeping lists of emergency phone numbers on your refrigerator and next to all your phones, consider programming these numbers into your phone. If you live alone, you may also want to buy a medical alert necklace or bracelet that allows you to contact help at the press of a button.
  
• Keep your health and prescription information easily accessible. To prevent dangerous interactions between medications or allergic reactions, keep a list of your allergies and the medicines you take (including schedule and dosage) under a magnet on your fridge. Emergency medical workers are trained to look there for information that could help save your life. In addition to prescription information, list any health conditions you have (such as diabetes), and your advance medical directives (such as “do not resuscitate” orders).

  AFT Local 943
  15521 South 70th Court
  Orland Park, Illinois 60462
  (708) 633-0943
  (708) 633-0944 (Fax)

  Kathy Setlak, president

  IFT Field Staff