“Go Bag” for the Emergency Room

No one wants to rush to the emergency room, especially with a sick child. But when your gut is telling you it’s serious, there’s no time to waste. Decisions like this often need to be made quickly during great moments of anxiety and uncertainty. And the last thing on anyone’s mind is to pack a “Go Bag” for the Emergency Room. This is not the time to be thinking about toothbrushes or phone chargers as everyone scrambles to help with what’s most important at the time.

Have a “Go Bag” for the Emergency Room Prepared

When rushing someone to the hospital, there’s little time to think about anything except getting them there as soon as possible. That’s why having a “Go Bag” prepared and always available is a good idea. When you arrive at the hospital, there may be a long wait. And the emergency room can be noisy, confusing and uncomfortable. This only adds to your stress as you find yourself answering the same questions repeatedly. Arriving prepared with medical and personal information is a valuable necessity. It will help make a very stressful time a little less so. And it can also help the hospital staff provide better care. For example, important documents like a medication list can help medical staff as they quickly treat your child.

What to Pack in Your “Go Bag” for the Emergency Room

If you’ve spent any time in the hospital as a patient or a caregiver you’ve probably discovered things, you wish you had with you. Many of these items may seem obvious. But when you’re rushing out the door, remembering to grab them isn’t so easy.  While everyone’s “Go Bag” for the emergency room will be uniquely theirs, there are several important things everyone should pack.

Pack Medical Information

Having a physical document with medical information is arguably one of the most important things to pack. When you’re in the middle of the stress and chaos of the emergency room, it’s essential to have this information. In that way you won’t forget to share something important.

Medication List – Include a list of your child’s medications. Make sure to give the trade name and generic name.  Include the dosage amount, how much your child takes, and the dosage strength. Include the time of day you administer your child’s medication. Add a list of allergies, medications, and other pertinent information. This makes it easier for the medical staff to provide better care. Because they will know exactly what and when your child takes medication every day.

Medical History –Include past illnesses, injuries, previous surgeries, immunization history, or chronic conditions.  Be sure to include a list of any allergies to medications, and food or environmental triggers. You may also want to include any relevant family history.  

Physician’s Name – Consider writing down and including the name and number of your child’s primary care provider. And include the name and number of the pharmacy where you usually get your prescriptions filled.

Include Personal Items in the “Go Bag” for the Emergency Room

Toothbrush – Packing an extra toothbrush from home is more comfortable than a hospital toothbrush.

Hair Ties/Scrunchies – These are important to help keep your child’s hair from getting soiled. They also help keep their hair from getting tangled up in sticky cardiac monitor pads/leads.  

Shoes or slippers – This may seem like a silly suggestion. But in the stress of the moment, you might not notice that your child doesn’t have shoes on. If you forget, your child will end up having only socks to wear upon discharge.

Sweater – Hospitals can be cold! Pack a hoodie or sweater that zippers in the front for your child, and bring something warm for yourself.

Underwear – Hospital underwear is terrible. And if your child is admitted to the hospital, an extra pair or two of underwear is essential. Unless you pack extra, the underwear your child comes in with will be the underwear they leave with. You may want to pack extra socks as well.

Masks – Pack extra face masks for you and your child (if they’re over the age of 2). Include a bag or container to store them in when not in use.

Pack Something to keep You and Your Child Occupied

Pack something that will help your child pass the time. Perhaps a sticker packet, small toy, or fidget spinner like the ones Mikey’s Way distributes.  While books are great, you’ll probably be reading more than your child. When most kids are in the hospital it’s because they don’t feel well. And it takes brain power to read so it may be hard for them to concentrate. There’s usually a television in the room which can be entertaining and won’t require energy. And remember to pack something for yourself such as a book, crossword puzzles, magazine or sudoku.

You may want to pack something that will comfort your child like a stuffed animal or blanket.  But remember – things can get lost in the emergency room and hospital. So don’t pack something that your child would be devastated to lose.

Other Important Items

Non-Perishable Snacks – Finding food or snacks in the hospital can be tricky, especially after the cafeteria closes.  In the ER, they often run out of food for patients during busy shifts.  And if the ER is really busy, it could take a long time for someone to bring your child food. Pack some healthy non-perishable snacks like granola bars and bottled water.  You might want to toss in a little extra cash for the hospital vending machines.

Pen and notebook or paper – Fumbling to find pen and paper is not what you want to be doing as the doctor is speaking to you.  Pack a notebook or notepad and several pens or pencils.

Advil or Aspirin –This for you, not for your child.

Electronics – Limit What Your Bring

Electronics, Cell Phones and Chargers** – Most people don’t have extra electronics available just for a “Go Bag.” Consider attaching a note to the “Go Bag” reminding you to grab it.  Perhaps bring a device like the tablets that Mikey’s Way distributes. This can keep your child busy and entertained as the hours tick by. Most hospitals have free Wi-Fi. But remember – the Wi-Fi is public. So, it’s probably not the best time to be doing online shopping or online banking.  

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the ER for hours and you realize that your cell phone battery is down to 5%. For this reason, pack an inexpensive phone charger preferably with an extra-long charging cord. This will give you easy access to an available outlet regardless of where it is in the room. Don’t plug things into the red outlets which should be available for hospital staff. You may also want to include a small household extension cord with a couple of outlets. In this way you and your child can both use it.

**Please note that hospitals are not responsible for lost or damaged items. If you do bring an electronic, always keep it with you.

References:

Care Ware, November 16, 2020 Essentials for Your Emergency Hospital Go Bag | Care+Wear (careandwear.com)

Nemours Children’s Health KidsHealth, Going to the Emergency Room Essentials for Your Emergency Hospital Go Bag | Care+Wear (careandwear.com)