Emergency Care for Children, Pregnant Women & Older Adults

Children, pregnant women, and older adults may have medical needs that require additional information during an emergency.

If the situation is serious or potentially life-threatening, call 119 immediately.

CHILDREN

When a child needs emergency medical care, be prepared to provide:

• Age and approximate weight
• Main symptoms
• When symptoms started
• Known allergies
• Current medications
• Existing medical conditions
• Recent treatment or vaccination information when relevant

For infants and young children, changes in breathing, consciousness, hydration, or behavior can be important information for medical professionals.

PREGNANT WOMEN

If emergency care is needed during pregnancy, tell emergency personnel and hospital staff that the patient is pregnant.

When known, provide:

• Approximate stage of pregnancy
• Expected delivery date
• Current pregnancy-related conditions
• Medications
• Allergies
• Information about the hospital or doctor currently providing prenatal care

For urgent pregnancy-related symptoms, seek appropriate medical assessment without unnecessary delay.

OLDER ADULTS

Older patients may have several medical conditions or take multiple medications.

Useful information includes:

• Current medications
• Medication dosage
• Chronic medical conditions
• Allergies
• Previous major surgery
• Implanted medical devices when relevant
• Recent hospitalization or treatment
• Emergency contact information

A written medication list can be particularly useful.

PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Patients with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, respiratory disease, or other significant medical conditions should keep essential medical information accessible when possible.

This can help emergency professionals understand the patient's medical background quickly.

MEDICAL INFORMATION ON YOUR PHONE

International visitors and residents may find it useful to keep basic emergency information accessible on their phone:

Name · Date of Birth · Emergency Contact · Allergies · Medical Conditions · Medications

Do not include information you are uncomfortable storing on your device.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE

For vulnerable patients, accurate communication can be especially important.

When language assistance is required, ask whether professional interpretation is available at the receiving hospital.