Could you remember important information about your child's health in an emergency?
That can be hard, so doctors suggest that parents keep a record of their kids'
important health facts handy. This can help a medical team make a better, quicker
diagnosis when time really counts.
What Should a Medical History Include?
Making a complete written or computer-based medical history for your kids is a
good idea. Be sure their medical records have this information:
Allergies
This is especially important if a child is allergic to any medicines — penicillin,
for example — or other antibiotics. Allergies to food, dye, or contrast material (dye
or other substances used in tests like CAT scans) can come into play, too, so make
note of anything your child has had a reaction to. Kids who've previously been hospitalized
may have developed latex allergies.
This information can sometimes help emergency personnel find a cause for problems
such as breathing difficulties and hives.
Medicines
Your handy medical record should list any medicines, including dosages, that your
kids currently take. Some medicines react badly when taken together, so the paramedics
and doctors need this information before they give a child anything.
You'll need to know when a child took the medicine last and how much was taken.
Pre-Existing Problems
It is also very important for emergency personnel to be told of any health problems
or illnesses a child has had. For example, does your child have diabetes,
a bleeding disorder, or asthma?
These pre-existing conditions can have a huge effect on which tests and treatments
are used in an emergency.
Kids who have a chronic health problem or a known allergy should wear an identifying
tag on a necklace or bracelet. This kind can help doctors who are providing emergency
care, especially if a child suddenly becomes ill at childcare, school, or a friend's
house.
Don't forget to include the dates of any surgeries your child has had — this can
be important to the course of treatment in an emergency.
Immunizations
Keeping a clear and up-to-date record of your kids' immunization
history can help doctors do a better job of diagnosing a problem in an emergency.
If the doctor suspects that a child has an infection, for example, it may save much
time to know that the child has had a particular immunization.
The staff at your doctor's office can help you compile information on your kids'
immunization status.
Weight
There may not be time to weigh a child in an emergency. Having a recent weight
handy can help doctors calculate dosages of any medicine that may be needed.
Family History
A family medical history
is helpful information to have on hand. Doctors usually ask if anyone else in the
family has any medical problems because this can be important when diagnosing and
dealing with a current illness.
You might not be able to recall all this information in an emergency, so add it
to your kids' medical records.
Information for Caregivers
If your kids spend time in a childcare center or with a babysitter,
you'll want to add other information to the medical record.
Besides instructions on how to reach you quickly, your care provider should have
the name and phone number of your child's doctor and dentist. This will help the caretaker
contact the office where your child's full
is on file — in case you can't be reached.
And if you'll be away from your kids for a longer time, such as for a vacation
or business trip, and they stay with a sitter or family member other than your spouse,
you'll want to leave a release allowing that person to authorize medical care. (Note:
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, a medical release isn't necessary. Medical
personnel are authorized to do what they must to save the life of someone involved
in an accident or other emergency.)
It doesn't take long to compile a written or computer-based medical history for
your kids. And doing so could mean saving critical minutes — when they count most!
