The Senior Concerns Director of Nutrition, who leads the Meals On Wheels program, recently asked if I would write a column about why older adults should designate an emergency contact.
She relayed that more Meals On Wheels clients than we would like do not identify an emergency contact in their profile. This is problematic if the volunteer driver notices a situation of concern and there is no one to call.
She also recounted the situation of a new church member who passed out at while at church. Others in attendance knew little about this new member. When the ambulance arrived, the first responders were unable to find an emergency contact listed in her belongings.
Whether you are homebound or out in the community, in an emergency, every second matters, especially for older adults.
If you are injured, unwell, or unable to speak, having an ‘In Case of Emergency’ (ICE) contact on your phone, in your wallet or purse, on your refrigerator, or by your bedside allows first responders to immediately reach someone who (hopefully) knows your medical history, medications, and wishes.
That is why informing your emergency contact is just as critical as establishing one. The information they can share may save your life. It can ensure you get the proper care quickly and reduce the chance of medical errors or delays.
While privacy may be a concern for some, there are significant benefits to appointing an emergency contact and keeping them informed. When an emergency contact is called, they can offer quick communication. If you are injured, disoriented, or unconscious, first responders can immediately contact a trusted person who knows your medical history, current medications, and doctors. This avoids delays in critical decision-making and helps the medical team to provide safer, more appropriate treatment.
Knowing that someone will be notified quickly can also provide peace of mind for you and your family, and it reassures your loved ones that they won’t be “left in the dark” if something happens.
Since most of us have mobile phones, this is a good place to start. Setting up an emergency contact on your phone takes only a minute, yet it can make all the difference when you need help the most.
Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, simple instructions are available online, or you can access them here https://www.seniorconcerns.org/resources/.
Once completed, your “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contact can be accessed by a first responder even if your screen is locked.
At the same time, keeping your ICE contact information in your wallet is also important. If you are out in the community and something happens, first responders will look there for an emergency contact.
One tool to use is A File of Life. It is a personal medical information form that is kept in an easily accessible location, typically on the refrigerator door or in a wallet or purse, to provide first responders with critical medical information during an emergency.
Keeping a File of Life on your person can ensure first responders have the information they need when they need it. It is a simple, inexpensive, and potentially lifesaving tool that ensures your medical information is readily available when you are unable to speak for yourself.
Senior Concerns offers a free File of Life to older adults in our community. You can stop by Senior Concerns office at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks to pick one up during business hours.
If you or a loved one is a Meals On Wheels recipient with any program, here or in another city, designate a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative to be an emergency contact and inform them of any pertinent medical information. You may just be saving a life - even your own.