Emergency Preparedness

Are You Ready for an Emergency?

Emergencies and surprises are unfortunately a fact of life. While your Primary Care Physician, local Urgent Care, or Emergency Department will be able to help you for bigger things, you can still help yourself out by being prepared.

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Common issues, and their solutions:

• Running Out of Medicine: If you regularly take medicine, you should make sure to always have a supply of it on hand. Ask your prescribing doctor what they prefer, but definitely contact them at least one week before you run out so that you don't get stuck without essential meds.

• Part of preparedness is training, so that you know what to do if there are any problems. One of the staples of modern medical care is how to perform CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR. You can find a class near you by checking out this page

• Unfortunately, in America, it is becoming more likely that any individual may be involved in a traumatic injury. Whether through a car accident, a fall, or gunshot wound, it's essential to know what to do. Stop the Bleed is a national trauma training program similar to CPR in how the average person can respond to this situation.

• Potential Opioid Overdose: Worldwide, opioid overdoses are becoming more common. If you or someone you know uses pain medications you should ask your doctor for a prescription for naloxone, or "Narcan." Known as the opioid reversal agent, Narcan is available without prescription at most major pharmacies, and is as easy to use as an Epi-Pen is. For more information, go to the substance use page here.