Medical Emergency?

We will be taking our DD's friend with us to WDW this May. If we would have a real medical emergency with this girl and need to take her to a medical center in the area what will I need to have in order for them to treat her? I'm thinking of having a permission slip from her parents of some sort along with their insurance card, but should we have it notarized with witnesses? I don't want to go unprepared and need help for her. She doesn't have any medical problems, I just want to be prepared for the worst if need be. Can anyone give me some answers or point me in the right direction for an answer. Thanks ahead of time.

Diane

You will need a power of attorney for medical attention in order to get medical assistance for a child that is not your own. You can Google for what the form has to say or download one from several free sites, get the parents of the girl to sign it in front of a notary public and that will give you legal ability to act on their behalf in an emergency. This is the ONLY way to guarantee a hospital, doctor or anyone would view you as a legal guardian while the child is in your care during a vacation. If you have an attorney or the other child's parents have one it's an easy form to obtain and most legal offices are used to this type of request. Once you get the power of attorney all you need is a copy of an insurance card and you are set!

Great planning homeschool mom and great reply NotaGeek!

I've had a copy of the insurance card, a letter from the parents and cellphone/homephone numbers but the POA is best to avoid any delays in treatment. Also good for evidence you are allowed to take a minor across state lines.

Thanks, NotAGeek for that great answer. You have been very helpful. I will head on over to Google right now to try and find that form.

Diane

Also remember in a real life threatening emergency, they will treat the patient while they are working on getting consent. We never delay treatment if that delay could harm or even kill someone , while we wait to get consent. Usually in the ER where I work 2 of us will obtain phone consent when it's needed. I would make sure to have every phone number possible to contact the parents at any time.:mickey:

Yes, that is good advice.....

Also, coming from someone who works on an ambulance....if it's a life-threatening emergency.... We'll do what we need to do to save a life....period. Paperwork or no paperwork.

But - what we like to have IF it is life-threatening is a list of:
- name
- age
- address
- PCP
- ALLERGIES
- Past Medical History
- SS#
- Paren'ts info /phone
- insurance

Allergies and Past Medical History are the most important.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Carolee

But - what we like to have IF it is life-threatening is a list of:
- name
- age
- address
- PCP
- ALLERGIES
- Past Medical History
- SS#
- Paren'ts info /phone
- insurance

Allergies and Past Medical History are the most important.

---

Oh yes, make sure you have all this too!!!! I can't believe I forgot all that Carolee:blush:

Stephanie ---- I think you and I were sending a message at the same time because you didn't have a message up when I read the thread.

You can see a difference in the pre-hospital setting vs. the definitive care setting. he he

We don't worry about phone calls....just helping the patient and getting them to ya'll.

My cousin went on a far-away trip with a friend and had a horrible asthma attack while they were gone. They were able to get consent from her mother over the telephone to treat her.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. You've all been a great help. Hopefully, we won't need to use any of your advice. :thumbsup:

Diane

Ya'll will be fine. Just remember to be calm....don't let emotions rule the situation. Let logic.....

Good planning and good responses. Five stars!