Emergency Information Sheet for Elderly

When paramedics arrive at your grandparent's home, they need to assess the situation, stabilize the patient, and make transport decisions quickly. They don't have time to search through a filing cabinet, unlock a phone, or call family members for a medication list. What they need is a single, clearly formatted sheet posted in a visible location with every critical piece of medical information on it.

What EMTs Actually Need to See

An effective emergency information sheet puts the most time-sensitive information where responders can find it quickly:

Patient identification. Full legal name, date of birth, and a recent photograph. The photo matters — if your grandparent is found unresponsive and lives alone, it confirms they're the person described on the sheet.

Current medications. Every prescription medication with the dose and frequency. Include over-the-counter medications and supplements — blood thinners, aspirin, fish oil, and herbal supplements all affect emergency treatment decisions. List the prescribing physician for each medication.

Allergies. Drug allergies first (penicillin, sulfa, codeine), then food allergies, then latex or adhesive sensitivities. Distinguish between true allergies (anaphylaxis risk) and intolerances (nausea, rash) — the treatment implications are different.

Medical conditions. Active diagnoses listed by severity: diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD, atrial fibrillation, dementia, kidney disease. Include the stage or severity when known (e.g., "Stage 3 CKD," "moderate Alzheimer's, diagnosed 2023").

Advance directives status. Whether a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or POLST/MOLST form exists, and where the original document is located. Paramedics need to see the actual signed form — a note on the emergency sheet that says "has a DNR" is not a substitute for the signed form under applicable state rules. Post the POLST prominently, such as on the refrigerator, alongside the emergency sheet.

Emergency contacts. Two to three contacts with names, relationship, and phone numbers. List the healthcare power of attorney holder first, with a note identifying their legal role.

Primary care physician. Name, practice name, and direct phone number. If the patient has a specialist who manages their primary condition (e.g., cardiologist for heart failure), include that contact too.

Insurance information. Medicare number, supplemental insurance, and any managed care plan. Paramedics don't usually need this, but the ER registration desk will, and having it on the same sheet saves a family member from scrambling to find cards later.

Where to Post It

Keep the sheet in a highly visible location where family members and visiting health professionals can quickly access it. Follow local EMS guidance about its placement.

Inside the front door. Some families post the sheet near the main entrance, but local EMS guidance should control its placement.

On the refrigerator. Some communities use a "Vial of Life" container or refrigerator magnet to signal that medical information is posted there. Check local EMS guidance about whether this system is used in your area.

Also keep a folded copy in your grandparent's wallet or purse, and save a digital copy on their phone's lock screen or emergency contact card (both iPhone and Android support emergency medical ID accessible without unlocking the phone).

First Responder Home Access

If your grandparent lives alone, paramedics may need to enter the home without anyone answering the door. A few preparations make this safer:

Lock box. A combination key lock box mounted near the front door (the same type real estate agents use) may give EMS access without breaking down the door. Ask your local fire or EMS department whether it maintains a voluntary registry and how responders obtain the code.

Medical alert systems. If your grandparent wears a medical alert pendant (Life Alert, Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical), the monitoring service dispatches EMS and can provide the operator with the address and basic medical information. Confirm the service has a current medication list and emergency contacts on file.

Smart lock or keypad entry. A smart lock lets family members unlock the door remotely when EMS calls. A simpler keypad deadbolt eliminates the need for a physical key entirely.

Keeping It Current

An outdated emergency sheet is worse than no sheet at all — wrong medication information can lead to contraindicated treatments. Build an update trigger into your family's routine:

• Update the sheet after every medication change (new prescription, dose adjustment, discontinued medication)
• Review it at every primary care appointment
• Set a calendar reminder for a full review every three months, even if nothing seems to have changed
• Assign one family member as the owner of the document — "everyone updates it" means nobody does

The Grandchild's Guide to Helping includes a printable emergency handoff sheet formatted for quick first-responder access — one page, with designated spaces for medications, allergies, advance directive status, and emergency contacts.