PH Awareness Month - Post #22

In regards to yesterday's post about emergency preparedness, I thought I would expand a little about informing medical response teams about PH and your own personal situation. It is vital that this be done, because it really could mean the difference between life and death! Here are the main tips I found on the PHA website (if you click here, you can read the whole article, and even print it for reference!):

*If you’re not comfortable doing your own training, contact your specialty pharmacy to organize and conduct the training for you.

*Ask your EMT to put you on the BOLO, or “Be on the Lookout” list, which is a list of people who should be the first to receive attention, a check-in, electricity, or specific needs, in the event of a blackout, inclement weather, or disaster.

*Ask your EMT to tag your number in their system so that if you ever call 911, they’ll be automatically alerted that you have special needs.

*Introduce yourself to the staff of your local fire department.

*Get on a list with your fire department, and provide them with answers to the following questions:
**Are you on special medical treatments?
**Do you use life sustaining oxygen?
**Do you have liquid oxygen in your home?

*Think about what you would need from your local utility company in the event of a power outage or natural disaster (e.g. life sustaining equipment, refrigeration, oxygen, batteries and electricity).

*Take advantage of stickers you can put on your window that alert your local EMS to your condition and direct them to an “EMS File” detailing your specific needs, which you can keep on your refrigerator. They are sold by pharmacies, grocery stores and other local vendors.

Comments

Teddybear said…
Colleen you are so good, thank you. I did print out the info so I can go back to it for review. You truly are a blessing.
5:09 PM
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