Why Emergency Preparedness in Care Is Essential
Falls, sudden deterioration, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness – emergencies are among the greatest fears of family caregivers. Those who are prepared can act more calmly and purposefully in a crisis. Good emergency preparedness in home care gives everyone involved a sense of security.
The Emergency Folder: Everything at a Glance
Keep an emergency folder in a fixed location known to everyone. It should contain:
- Personal data: Name, date of birth, insurance number, blood type
- Diagnoses: All known conditions and allergies
- Medication plan: Current plan with dosages and times
- Contact details: Family doctor, specialists, care service, closest family members
- Advance directive and power of attorney: Copies of current documents
- Insurance card: Copy of the health insurance card
Display Emergency Numbers Visually
Post the most important phone numbers in a visible place – for example on the refrigerator or next to the phone:
- Emergency services: 112
- Poison control center (regional)
- Family doctor with emergency number
- Care service
- Closest family members
Common Emergency Situations and How to Respond
Prepare for the most frequent scenarios:
- Fall: Stay calm. Do not immediately pull the person up. Check for injuries. If a fracture or head injury is suspected, call emergency services.
- Breathing difficulty: Elevate the upper body. Open a window. Loosen tight clothing. For severe breathing difficulty, call 112 immediately.
- Loss of consciousness: Recovery position. Check breathing. Call 112 immediately.
- Severe pain: Give as-needed medication according to the medication plan. For persistent or unknown pain, contact the doctor.
- Fever above 39 °C: Give fluids. Apply cool compresses if needed. At 40 °C or with confusion, call the doctor.
Setting Up a Home Emergency Call System
A home emergency call system is especially useful when the care recipient is sometimes alone. With the press of a button on a wristband or pendant, an emergency center is alerted. From care level 1 onward, care insurance covers up to 25.50 euros per month.
Involve the Care Team
Everyone on the care team must know where the emergency folder is and how to respond in a crisis. Discuss the most important scenarios together. With mendracare, you have all emergency contacts and the current medication plan centrally available – even on the go via smartphone.
Update Regularly
Review the emergency folder at least every three months: Are the contact details current? Has the medication plan changed? Are there new diagnoses? Up-to-date emergency preparedness in home care can save lives in a crisis.
