FYI

[Guest guest]

Parents and caregivers of children with complicated care needs often bring these

children to emergency rooms and other health care sites without information

describing their unique medical history and health management requirements. This

lack of information can cost health professionals precious minutes in

determining the best course of treatment.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Emergency

Physicians (ACEP) developed an Emergency Form to help parents advocate for their

children, communicate to physicians, and help physicians provide proper care.

The form is excellent for individuals with chronic and complicated medical

conditions and for individuals without complicated medical histories in the

instance of emergencies.

AAP suggests that Emergency Forms be stored in the home in a place where

emergency medical personnel can easily find it, such as in or on the

refrigerator. Also, forms should be kept in the primary care provider's office,

school nurse's office, vehicles, workplaces, and with belongings when you're

traveling.

The form is available online at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/eif.doc It is set

up so that you can save and update the form on your computer with each visit.

This information came from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which keeps a

website on Emergency Preparedness for Children with Special Health Care Needs

which can be located at www.aap.org/advocacy/emrgprep.htm

M. Guppy - Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big

your God is!

Listowner & Facilitator of: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Texas-Autism-Advocacy/ and

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasAutismSupport/