Do you know what information you need in a medical emergency? Being prepared can make a life saving difference in an emergency situation. What information should be maintained? Here are just some of the things recommended health care professionals.

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[edit] Steps

Record and maintain your medical history, including all chronic medical conditions.
Keep a record of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications. Make sure to note the strength of each medication and how often you take it per day (dosage).
Note any allergies you have to both foods and medications. If they are serious allergies, you should wear a medic alert tag as well!
Document your surgical history, including the date, hospital and surgeon for each instance.
Keep updated contact information for your private physician - include primary care as well as specialists.
Have a list of emergency contacts - multiple contacts with alternate numbers for each.
Include advance directives, specific dietary needs, or any other important information.

[edit] Tips

Today you have many options that allow you to have your emergency information available. Which you choose should be based on your personal needs and risk factors.
The “Vial of Life" program is a free program designed for seniors and individuals with serious medical conditions. It provides medical information to emergency personnel who respond to and treat home emergencies.
MedicTag LLC produces a small USB medical alert storage device that allows you to carry all your emergency information with you at all times. It contains much of the medical information needed by emergency personnel, such as existing medical conditions, allergies, medication currently being taken, and emergency contact information and it fits on your key ring.
For children with special healthcare needs "The American Academy of Pediatrics" has specially designed forms available.
Medical history and emergency information forms are also available on-line from the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association.
There are also a number of monitoring services available that will maintain your information for you and provide in home alert devices that will dispatch emergency services if the need arises.
At a minimum, anyone with an existing medical condition or that has special emergency needs should wear some type of medical ID to alert medics to his or her situation.
Write important information on an index card and stick it on your refrigerator door in plain view. In case of a 911 emergency where you have to be rescued and are unconscious, they will have all important data easily accessible. Emergency units all know to look on the refrigerator door.