As a family caregiver to a loved one who is ill or elderly, it can be difficult to accept that at some point there could be, and likely very well be, an emergency situation or event. There is no real gauging of when it can happen. It is often sudden and people are unprepared.
Getting over the hurdle of fear is an inevitability that should be planned for so you can keep your cool, as best as you can, in that moment. While such situations are inherently stressful, preparation and knowledge can make a significant difference.
Here are some practical tips to help you plan and be prepared for an emergency situation with a loved one as their caregiver:
1. Have an Emergency Plan
Every family and family caregiver should have a well-thought-out emergency plan. Outline the possible scenarios and a short action plan (i.e. what if they fall and can’t be helped up or get lost due to being disoriented?).
This includes knowing the medical history of the person you are caring for, including:
Current medications and dosages.
Allergies.
Chronic conditions.
Emergency contacts, including doctors and specialists.
Talk with doctors to learn what you could expect and should watch out for.
Keep a physical and digital copy of all medical information and history accessible at all times, or use this app. Ensure your loved one’s medical ID card and insurance details are up-to-date and easy to find. You may even keep this plan in a binder along with key legal documents.
2. Keep an Emergency Kit Ready
Stock a medical emergency kit with essential basics such as:
Gloves should be worn at all times, if possible.
Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic cream.
Bandages, gauze, scissors and tape.
Over-the-counter pain relievers.
A thermometer, blood pressure cuff and oximeter.
Extra Epi pens, or medications like aspirin for heat attacks.
Ice packs in freezer.
Emergency contact list.
Make sure the kit is accessible and regularly updated. For larger spaces, it is recommended to have one on each floor or key rooms that your loved one spends the most time in for easy access.
3. Recognize the Signs of an Emergency
Early detection can save lives. Learn the warning signs of common medical emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks, seizures, and diabetic crises. For example:
Stroke: Sudden numbness, confusion, or difficulty speaking.
Heart Attack: Chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the arms, neck, or jaw.
Seizure: Sudden, uncontrollable movements or loss of consciousness.
Allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or face.
Slight or major changes in behavior: Knowing your loved one well is helpful in noticing even the slightest changes in their behavior which could be a sign that something is not right.
Ask questions: Simply asking questions to gauge how your loved one is feeling can reveal a lot of information. Often times, many people don’t want to admit or worry their family and will hide symptoms. Open communication can make a real difference.
Knowing and recognizing these signs helps you act quickly and effectively as well as give a description to 911 operators and EMS.
4. Stay Calm and Focused
In an emergency, your ability to remain calm can influence the outcome. Panicking can escalate the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on what needs to be done. Going into action could save their life.
5. Call for Help Immediately
Dial 911 or your local emergency number if the situation is life-threatening. When you call, be prepared and have your binder handy to provide:
The exact location and even entry information, if the patient does not live in a single family home.
A description of the emergency.
Details of the patient’s condition.
Patient information such as major illness or medications.
If the operator offers immediate instructions, be prepared to do as guided.
Stay on the line until instructed to hang up.
Once onsite, EMS will need the patient’s medical history and medications to best understand how to treat them. You may feel you’re repeating yourself but it’s vital to ensure they have the correct information.
Be sure to grab your binder and all medical information, if you can, to take to the hospital.
6. Administer Basic First Aid
Basic first aid knowledge is invaluable. Consider taking a certified course in CPR and first aid so you’re prepared to handle any situation or if a 911 operator suggests providing it. There are many American Heart Association-certified locations in almost every city that offer training. Otherwise, check with your local fire department on free trainings.
First, it is important to assess the situation. You may need to call 911 prior to administering assistance.
Stop bleeding with clean cloths and pressure. If the wound does not stop bleeding after several minutes, call 911.
Perform CPR if the person is not breathing or is unresponsive.
If someone is choking, pat them on the back and see if they can talk. If they are unable to breathe administer assistance with the Heimlich Maneuver.
**It is very important to remember that no one should administer CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver without being trained.
7. Document Everything
During or immediately after the emergency, document what happened. Note:
The symptoms observed.
Time of events (e.g., when symptoms started).
Actions you took.
What were the actions of EMS, if called.
This information can be crucial for medical professionals and legal purposes, but also to communicate with family.
8. Debrief and Learn
After the situation stabilizes, reflect on what happened. You may not think of the importance of this, but it could be helpful in the future to you and other family caregivers. Ask yourself:
What went well?
What could have been handled better?
Do you need additional training or resources?
Use the experience to improve your preparedness for future emergencies and make mental notes of how you might deal with anything in the future.
9. Seek Support for Yourself
Caring for someone during a medical emergency can take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being. Don’t hesitate to:
Ask yourself how you are feeling? Emergencies can be traumatic so it’s important to address your own mental health and wellbeing.
Lean on friends and family for support.
Talk to a counselor or support group.
Take time to recharge.
Final Thoughts
Sudden medical emergencies are a reality for many family caregivers. While they can be intimidating, being prepared can help you handle these situations effectively. By staying informed, educated, calm, and organized, you can provide the best possible care while safeguarding your own well-being.
Having a plan in place and knowing it well can ensure that you are prepared to act, if needed.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—resources and support are available to help you navigate caregiving challenges like CPR and life skills training.
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