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For those who are required to take prescription medications or who use other forms of alternative health treatments, it is a good idea to keep medication lists in easily accessible locations in case of emergency situations. Any pharmacy should be able to provide patients these types of prescription lists, which need to include medication names, dosage amounts and other pertinent information. The lists should also be marked so that family or first responders can quickly identify them and assess their contents.
Most first responders are trained to look for these lists. Often, they are kept in containers resembling medicine bottles with “In Case of Emergency” labels. Typically, patients are instructed to keep their medication lists in their refrigerators and glove boxes or consoles of their automobiles. Placing them in these locations may mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
It is important for medical personnel to know what medications a person is taking before administering any type of treatment because of possible conflicts or side effects. In addition to prescription medications, a person would be wise to include any self-treatment medications he or she is using, such as herbal remedies and dietary supplements.
If a person is unconscious, he or she is not able relay this type of medical information. Likewise, family and friends may not know the necessary and important information, or may not be able to recall all of the vital medical facts during a high-stress and emotional situation.
For these reasons, it is helpful and often life-saving to have a medication list prepared ahead of time and placed in locations where family or first responders can quickly retrieve them. Keeping in mind the age-old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is sound and helpful advice in any type of medical emergency, especially with regard to medications.
