Emergency Room Survival Kit

“What can I do to help?”

How many times have we asked this question of someone who has called with an emergency situation?  During the holidays, we learned that a friend’s child was being rushed to a hospital near where we were celebrating with our family.  The hospital was several hours away from their own family and support network, so it was no question that we were going to support our friends.   Suspecting that bags were packed in a panic (if at all), we put together our version of an “Emergency Room Survival Kit” to take to them.  The kit was intended to take care of a few immediate needs.    I have also included items for the kit that we did not use but that I recommend being added.

Start with the basics – food and entertainment.  Hospitals involve a lot of waiting and the waiting areas are not always blessed with food or entertainment.

If you know the person’s likes and dislikes when it comes to snacks, that is great. I recommend the following items for a starting point:

• Bottled water
• Granola bars
• Chewing gum
• Peanut butter and crackers
• Fruit
• Small packages of cookies
• Roll of quarters – for the vending machines

If you are unsure about any food allergies, then skip the snacks and just include the water.  Remember, this is just for a day or so.  No need to try and feed an army when it is just one or two.

A distraction is sometimes welcome while sitting in the waiting area.  Consider the following items for your survival kit:

• Puzzle books and pencil
• Magazines
• Newspaper
• Deck of playing cards
• Phone card (not everyone has a cell phone or unlimited minutes)

A must-include item is a small notebook and a pen.  This comes in handy for several reasons.   Visitors can write down their contact information.  The family can write down instructions from the doctor or questions for the doctor.  The family can record who came by to visit.  A mother can record her thoughts in journal fashion.  Go ahead and write in the contact information for a local church or organization that the family can contact if they find that they will be at the hospital for several days.

Toiletries are usually forgotten in the rush of getting to the hospital and stress can sometimes wreak havoc on a person’s body by causing stomach upsets and headaches.  Consider including the following:

• Travel size shampoo and deodorant
• Travel size toothpaste and toothbrush
• Antacids
• Pain Relievers
• Kleenex pocket packs

Miscellaneous items to add, depending on the situation:

• Local map – several big hospitals are located in large cities
• Toy or book for the patient

Whatever you decide to put together, be sure that it all fits in one reusable grocery shopping bag. 

Keep in mind that the family and patient will most likely be moving from one location to another, and you do not want your act of kindness to turn into a hassle for them.  All of these items can be purchased at a Walmart, Target, or discount pharmacy.