1.) Pack a hospital bag that contains clothes, a charger, masks, socks, spare toiletries, and other items you may need in the event of an emergency and/or hospitalization. Keep this bag in a convenient and designated location.

2.) Complete an emergency preparedness form you can bring with you – one option you can personalize and print is located below!

3.) Review critical information you want providers to know in the event you can’t advocate for yourself with a trusted caregiver, friend, loved one, or family member, if possible. If this is not an option, we recommend that you consider reviewing this information with your PCP.

4.) Consider developing a medical passport that you can bring with you and reference. For one potential option, click here.

5.) Consider developing a medical ID band or card that EMS can use if needed – a few options can be found here.

6.) Review with your specialists when they want for you to go to the ER, what is considered an emergency to them, for each medical condition you may have.

7.) Talk to your specialists about developing ER protocols that you can bring with you, along with your emergency preparedness form.

8.) We recommend ensuring that your vehicles always have at least half a tank of gas in them (if applicable) to ensure this is not an added obstacle in the event of an emergency.

9.) It may be a good idea to prepare for natural disasters, which can vary depending on where you live. See our Natural Disasters section for more helpful tips!