While emergencies can happen to anyone, you may be more vulnerable to emergencies because of your health history. It is suggested that you take a few minutes to cover yourself "just in case."  You do not have to take all these steps at once. Perhaps do one a day. It is helpful to give yourself a deadline. 

Survivorship A to Z provides a prioritizer to list the steps you want to take. You can number the steps with your order of priority. A push of a button reorder the list to your priority. See "To Learn More."

Consider:

• The types of emergency care available near your home, where you work, and any other place in which you spend substantial amounts of time. 
  • Think about which facility to go to for various events. For instance, a small medical problem or a life challenging emergency. (While you're at it, learn how to maximize your time in an Emergency Room. See the document in "To Learn More.") 
  • If you need life threatening emergency care, which of the available emergency rooms do you want to go to? If you can, go to the hospital where your doctor works. He or she can oversee your care.  (While you're at it, learn how to maximize your time in an Emergency Room. See the document in "To Learn More.") 
• How and what to communicate to first emergency responders about your health condition, current status, and medications you are taking.
• In case you become unable to communicate, wear a medical i.d. alert around your neck or on your wrist. to let first emergency responders know about your medical condition in case you are unable to communicate. 
• Carry in your wallet or purse information about your medical history, treatment and/or medications. Consider carrying the information on a computer flash drive or card that fits in your wallet..
• Place an entry on your mobile phone for "ICE" - an acronym for "in case of emergency". List the phone numbers of the person or people to notify in case of emergency. You can either list the entry just as "ICE" or you can add a name. For example, "ICE1-Charlie." Ideally, emergency contacts know your medical history, allergies, and how to contact your doctor(s). 
• Put a notice in your bedroom if you do not want to be brought back if your heart or lungs stop (rescucitated). 
• The financial and legal steps to take now so you are prepared in the event of a medical emergency.
• Think about how to get through a disaster that may affect a treatment facility or your ability to get medications.
• Prepare for medical emergencies that may come up during travel.
• Consider what to do if you have underage children and cannot care for them because of a medical emergency.

These subjects are discussed in the other sections of this document.

NOTE: While speaking about emergencies, be sure to protect your property and pocketbook in the event of a loss with Homeowners Insurance and Automobile Insurance. Objective, unbiased information about what to look for, how to minimize cost, and how to file claims, is contained in the documents in "To Learn More." 

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