Be Prepared
Take along a health care folder containing the following:

  • Medical History
  • List of Current Medicines & Dosage Amounts *Episode Diary/Journal*
  • Copies of Medical Articles About CVS

Use an insulated lunch bag to hold all of medications and keep it with you at all times. Within the bag you should keep an information list with:

  • Insurance Information
  • Family Names and Numbers
  • Doctor/Clinic Names and Numbers
  • All medications (how much and when)

Bring a sign to put on the hospital door ‘do not disturb, aborting an episode.’

Even vital signs are handled differently. Many times, they [hospital staff] batch their work. For example, new IV bag with vitals at the same time done without a light on and without waking the patient.

Put a chair in the hallway to catch a breather.

Bring comfort items for the patient, such as a magazine for an adult or some quiet playthings for children.

The Needs of the Caregiver

Don’t forget to take things to make your stay as a parent, spouse, or patient support person easier, such as:

  • Some meal bars
  • Cell phone
  • Money for vending machines
  • Extra clothes, underwear
  • Magazines or a book to read (take a book light so you can keep the room lights low)

Other Tips

  • Attach a large luggage tag to your child’s car seat, with all medical information: Emergency contacts, physician’s names & phone numbers, all the meds, etc.
  • Keep a list with all medical information taped to the back of your child’s car seat
  • Keep a bag packed at all times with everything you’ll need for 24 hours.