Tips for Emergency Situations

More than 50,000 patients come to Overlake's Emergency Department every year for urgent and acute emergency medical care. These visits are unplanned. It is important to be prepared when the unexpected happens. Here are some tips to prepare for emergency room visit if time allows.

Bring the following:

• Keep a list of your medications in your wallet.
• Keep a list of, or know the details of, recent illnesses, symptoms and allergies.
• Bring identification, insurance and Social Security cards.
• Bring physician and employer phone numbers and addresses with you.

Leave valuables at home or with a family member.

General Emergency Preparedness & Prevention

• Learn CPR, the Heimlich maneuver and basic first aid through community classes, the Red Cross or Overlake's safety classes.
• Carry or wear a medical emergency identification tag, bracelet or card that identifies special medical conditions. 
• Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street in the event you need to call an ambulance. 
• When driving, ALWAYS wear a seat belt to prevent an emergency.

Remember, in an emergency medical situation, call 9-1-1.