Are you prepared for a health emergency in your family?
Lets start off by saying that we wish you and your loved ones the best of health. But, we are not sure if most Indian families are ready if, heaven forbid, a medical emergency were to occur in their family. What do we mean by being ready...read on...
Do you know the contact number of your TPA? Do you know what a TPA's role is?
Do you have an emergency procedures list for the following:
What to do and who to call
What mode of transport you will use
Shortest route from your home to your doctor/hospital
Nearest chemist, and nearest 24hour chemist
A list of medication that you and your family members are allergic to
The above probably highlights the point that we are trying to make. Here is what we strongly suggest you do to be prepared for any major or minor emergency.
You must be ready with all the medical history and documentation related to each member of the family.
Keep all your documents in a central location that is easily accessible (prescriptions, x-rays, blood reports etc.)
Keep your history of what medication you have been on in the past
Be ready with your health insurance and medical coverage documentation, list of cashless hospitals and the details of the third party administrator (TPA) of the insurance company
Contact Information
Your mind is going to be too pre-occupied with dealing with the emergency, so the last thing you want to do is to spend time looking for contact details for relevant parties.
Location and contact details of two hospitals nearest to you
Contact details of two ambulance services
Location and contact details of family doctor or nearest doctor
Location and contact details of nearest chemist and 24-hour chemist
Contact details of different family members, especially if they are traveling
Logistics
We have all heard about how things might have turned out differently if one had only reacted quickly. Have an emergency action plan, like a contingency plan, with pre-designated responsibilities
Ready access at home to critical medicines and medical devices especially in the case where family members are already suffering from specific conditions such as heart problems, asthma etc.
Know where your car keys are and ensure that your car has enough fuel, especially overnight
Familiarize yourself with the closest route to your doctor/hospital
Designate a family member/neighbour to be the driver
Remember, if you are better planned, you are going to be better prepared to handle whatever life throws at you. So all the best and we wish you and your families good health!
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MONICA SINHA said :
24/06/2009
Thanks for truely informative newsletter, specially the "health emergency..." one. Best part is newsletters are precise
Jagjit said :
24/06/2009
I have been reading your newsletter, that I have been getting by e-mail.Very informing. I have gained vast knowledge from it, and have acted on few suggestions. Thanks.