HomeMy WebLinkAbouteic-brochureC hildren with special health
care needs are at high risk for
requiring emergency medical
services. They frequently have unique,
complex medical histories that
require specialized medical
treatments.
During an emergency, if paramedics
and/or physicians do not have
important information about your
child’s condition, they may not be
able to provide the most appropriate
care for your child.
In a medical emergency
complete information about
your child’s condition may be
life saving
State of California Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Authority
American Academy of Pediatrics and
American College of Emergency Physicians.
Acknowledgments Emergency Medical
Information For
Children with Special
Health Care Needs
Emergency Care Plan for the
Special Needs Child
In addition to the Emergency
Information Card, your family needs
to develop a plan for emergency
medical care with the help of your
doctor, school officials (nurse),
teachers, caregivers, and other family
members.
Developing an Emergency Care Plan
could help save your child’s life
during an emergency.
Resources for developing an
Emergency Care Plan:
EMS-C National Resource Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC. 20010
(202) 884-4927
(301) 650-8045 (fax)
(202) 884-6845 (fax)
Website:
www.ems-c.org
or e-mail them at:
info@emscnrc.com or
information@emscnrc.com
EMS for children
Emergency
Information
Card
Alameda County
Emergency Medical Services Agency
ALAMEDA COUNTY
T he Emergency
Information Card,
developed by the
American Academy
of Pediatrics &
American College of
Emergency Physicians, records vital
health information on children with
special health care needs.
When parents provide accurate infor-
mation in English about their child’s
medical condition, potential
emergencies and current treatments,
paramedics and physicians can
minimize delays in treatment.
Completing the card
Fill out each section of the card to the
best of your ability. If you have
questions contact your child’s doctor.
Customize the card - Include informa-
tion that is specific to your child.
Communication difficulties
(e.g.: hearing / speech impaired,
primary language - ASL, etc.)
Treatment and/or care
recommendations
Specialized equipment needs
(e.g.: oxygen, ventilator, hearing
aids, wheelchair, etc.)
Keep the card handy
The Emergency Information Card
should be kept with your child.
Make copies of the card so you
can have the information
available when needed.
At home, in plain site or easily
found, (e.g. on refrigerator or
beside the bed).
Your child’s
backpack.
Wheelchair
pack
The parents, guardian or
caretakers may also want to
keep a copy
I need help with... (walking, eating,
standing, etc.)
I have sensitivities to… (foods,
medications, sun exposure, insect
stings, etc.)
My disability is due to… (a head injury,
a stroke, cerebral palsy, etc.)
Other useful information that will help
rescuers (e.g.: I become confused if I
am under stress, I take medication that
need to be administered at specific
times, I am a diabetic, etc.)
Using the card
The Emergency Information Card is
available from the Alameda County EMS
Agency and local emergency
departments.
The card is also available from the EMS
agency website: www.acgov.org/ems.
Click on: “Community”
Keep the card updated - when changes
occur or at least once a year for:
Changes in contact information.
Changes in your child’s condition or
medications.
Changes in your child’s treatment plan
or physician.
Preparing for Emergencies
This brochure and the Emergency
Information Card is provided by:
Alameda County
Emergency Medical Services Agency
A Division of the Public Health Department
1000 San Leandro Blvd • San Leandro. CA 94577
510-618-2050 - main number
510-618-2051 - injury prevention
510-618-2099 - fax
website: www.acgov.org/ems
e-mail: alcoems@acgov.org
Emergency
Information
Card