I was talking to a paramedic friend of mine the other day; a close friend that I’ve known for years; my wife for those of you who don’t know. She was sharing with me a frustration that she has on the job.
People don’t know what medications they’re putting into their bodies and they depend on others to have that information.
As we get older the list gets longer and that’s just it: there needs to be a list and you need to have it available!
Last week my wife had a patient with high blood pressure. She asked him what he takes and he said, “I don’t know. The hospital has my list.” The problem is, they weren’t at the hospital and it would take valuable time to get that information.
At another home a family member went to the “pill minder”, the little case that has spots for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. She dumped a days worth into her hand and said, “She takes these.” Yay! “It’s time to play Guess That Pill!” Again, valuable time wasted.
Another problem they run into is people who are allergic to some medications but, again, “the hospital has that list.”
I know it’s confusing. I know computers were supposed to make life easier, but if anything, it’s even more confusing. You may be “in the computer” but all the computers don’t talk to each other.
I’ve had discussions with area doctors and even they are frustrated. It’s not always easy especially if you use both Hawthorn Medical and South Coast Health. Two different companies, two different computer systems and they don’t always play nicely with each other.
Fortunately, there’s an easy answer for all of this: Keep your own list.
“There’s an app for that” is true. I use a simple app called “Pill Reminder.” I can make a list of each medication, it’s dosage and when it’s taken. That way, when I go to the doctor, I can compare my list to his. It can also be used in an emergency.
I even have a reminder set for the medication that I change every three days because I could never remember. “Is this day 2 or day 4?. Oh oh!” It even has it’s own ringtone.
My wife, Priscilla, says a phone list is good because no one leaves the house without their phone.
Medic: “We need to get you to the hospital.”
Patient: “I can’t find my phone!”
If you prefer you can go old school. I used to carry a list in my wallet. That was before smart phones. Yes….. I’m old.
If you’re worried about a spouse or parent, Priscilla said one of the first places they look is on the refrigerator. Just put a list up there next to the motivational diet pictures or whatever you keep up there.
It’s important to know what you’re on and what you’re allergic to.
Have you ever noticed those commercials for medications? It seems like they spend ten seconds on the benefits and then 20 seconds telling you the possible side effects. I think I’ll take my chances.” I love the one that says, “In rare cases, may cause death.” Nope! I’m good!
So make a list and then make another one or two. Put the list where it can be found, God forbid an emergency should arrive.
There’s no such thing as too much information when it comes to your safety.
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