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EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS OFFERED BY
PROVIDENCE HEALTH SYSTEM WILL HELP SAVE LIVES
July 31, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. - A 16-year-old boy lands in a Portland-area emergency department. He is unconscious from a bicycle accident, and doctors have no idea who he is, or what medical history might complicate the care they are about to give.
A 62-year-old woman arrives at the emergency department after suffering a crippling stroke that affects her speech and ability to write. She is unable to tell nurses who she is, where she lives, or if she is allergic to any medication.
A 56-year-old jogger ends up in the emergency department after a massive heart attack. He is visiting from out-of-state and has little personal information on him. He dies while emergency department staff struggles to locate and notify family members of his condition.
These incidents in Portland are becoming far too common. Providence Health System has taken steps to make them a thing of the past.
Beginning this week Providence hospitals will provide wallet-sized emergency contact cards to anyone who wants one, whether they are a patient, a Providence employee, or a member of the general public. The cards were designed with the assistance of emergency department experts.
Each card provides space for a person’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, major health conditions or illnesses, medications, allergies, physician, hospital of choice and emergency contact information.
Individuals are encouraged to complete and carry the cards for themselves and their children.
“The difference this can make during an emergency is immense,” explains Chris Andrews, M.D., Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Emergency Department medical director. “Knowing a patient’s medical history alone means faster, better care. Even if a patient is conscious or has a family member with them, they are often so distressed during their visit they can easily forget pertinent information about allergies or medications. These cards will help save lives.”
The information on the cards will also assist Emergency Department social workers in contacting a patient’s family, easing the stress of worried parents, spouses or children. “Nothing is worse than knowing I have a patient too ill to tell me who he or she is - or who I need to call to bring in support for that person,” says Brent Solari, Providence Health System Emergency Department Social Work regional manager.
The Emergency Contact Cards are free of charge and will be available at the main desk and emergency room desk of every Portland-area Providence Health System Hospital. Please stop by the following locations to pick up cards for you and your family:
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
9205 SW Barnes Road, Portland
Providence Portland Medical Center
4805 NE Glisan, Portland
Providence Milwaukie Hospital
10150 SE 32nd Ave., Milwaukie
Providence Newberg Medical Center
1001 Providence Drive, Newberg
In addition, the cards will be available at many Portland area Providence Medical Group clinics and at a number of upcoming community events, including Providence Bridge Pedal.
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Providence Health System in Oregon, ranked as the fourth most integrated health care system in the nation, offers a comprehensive array of health and education services through its seven hospitals, medical clinics, health plans, long-term care facilities and home health services. With more than 14,000 employees, Providence is the state’s second-largest private employer.
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