Always have an info sheet at hand

[Alex54]

I found this out yesterday - the hard way.

My wife (PWD) and I live in the beautiful county of Shropshire. Yesterday afternoon I collapsed in the house and woke up on the floor a few minutes later. I checked with the NHS helpline and they sent out an ambulance to give me the once over (blood pressure was around 200). They wanted to take me to hospital for further tests and it was then that the lack of available information was a problem.

• Who do they call to arrange cover for the wife?
• What are their telephone and email details?
• What medication does the wife take, in what order and where is it kept?
• What needs to be done to maintain care for the wife?

Thankfully the hospital checkup did not take long and every test came back OK, so I was back home within a few hours. However I can't stress enough how much easier it would have been if I had a contact/details sheet at hand in the house.

 

[marionq]

I was issued a Carers Card for emergencies. I have one beside the television in full view and one in my wallet. I live in dread of the kind of scenario you describe as I doubt very mch if my husband would know what action to take.

Good advice from you.

 

[Beate]

I also had a Carers Emergency Card that lived in my wallet. It came with one of these clips you can attach to your keys as well. Any paramedic would just have to call the number and quote the reference on the card to the social worker at the other end. If your wife is on their radar, maybe enquire as to something similar.

With regards to the medication, I have a small tube in my fridge that was provided by the St John's Ambulance. It contains a form with details about myself and my medication, plus where in the house it is kept. I have a sticker on my front door so paramedics know I have this. Now that I'm on my own I think it's very important, but also I remember while John was still alive I once fell over something and he just stepped over me while I lay on the floor. That form can be filled in for the PWD as well of course.

 

[Katrine]

Hi Alex, take a look at this link for the Carers Emergency Response Service (Shropshire): http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/cd/view.page?record=cpt0rKpSvFc

There is also a carer emergency support scheme in Telford and Wrekin Council area: http://telfordcarers.org.uk/help-fo...carers/ercs-emergency-response-carers-scheme/

Here is some information about the Lions Club Message in a Bottle: http://www.lions105sw.org.uk/district-projects/message-in-a-bottle/

 

[Alex54]

Hi Alex, take a look at this link for the Carers Emergency Response Service (Shropshire):

Yes I am already signed up with Carers Trust 4all - but it says a lot when they could not provide support for a suspected heart attack.

 

[Beate]

Hi Alex, take a look at this link for the Carers Emergency Response Service (Shropshire): http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/cd/view.page?record=cpt0rKpSvFc

There is also a carer emergency support scheme in Telford and Wrekin Council area: http://telfordcarers.org.uk/help-fo...carers/ercs-emergency-response-carers-scheme/

Here is some information about the Lions Club Message in a Bottle: http://www.lions105sw.org.uk/district-projects/message-in-a-bottle/

That's exactly the bottle I have in the fridge!

 

[Reman]

Gosh I hadn't of that problem, definitely sort it out immediately. Thank you for your advice