Hi All

Yes, that's what I think the police say when there is an emergency going on.  It's a bit like an SOS, it means don't panic by yourself, include all you can.  And this applies to CAHs too.  There are some things you shouldn't believe:  Always wear clean undies in case you are in an accident/demonstration/prison breakout/sale etc and Medic Alert works.

If you are involved in an accident, do you seriously believe yr undies are going to stay clean (!)?  If you have been told this, forget it as they are going to cut yr clothes off to see what has happened - no time to waste.  Better keep a spare pair of clean undies in the glovebox for later, somehow I doubt you will be interested. Carry that soul saving medicine, chocolate or perhaps some Crunchies, important things like that.  I also carry emergency cigs, a cocktail shaker, cards, the remote control - you just can't tell when a party might break out, and ppl are always looking for the remote, Be Prepared!

Ppl also think Medic Alert works, well only one dr is responsible for writing up stuff for Medic Alert and there is not enough room to write what is needed if required.  If you are in an ambulance, Emergency at yr hospital, party etc and can speak, the medical ppl won't refer to Medic Alert.  I have too much information to pass onto ppl whether conscious or unconscious (let's not go there) and it cannot be contained in a one line msg from Medic Alert.  What if they can't contact yr endo? 

I keep all medical info up-to-date and written down and in my purse/wallet.  You nearly always carry this item with you and that's where ppl are going to look for yr identity, Medicare card etc. Writing this up initially takes some time to do but it's worth it b/c you will not be able to explain CAH to ppl and most do not know what it is, let alone the drugs you need in an emergency.  Same applies to parents of little kids.  Keep their medical records with you so you can simply pass this doc over and is written when you can think clearly, a challenge for me, I know:-), and the medical ppl will work out what is important and can pass to others too.  This is seriously good information.  Have specialists you deal with check it, my psych thinks it's a great idea!  I think he's a great idea too!

This is what my doc, "Medical History" looks like:  date, my name and address, D.O.B., home phone, another contact person, Medicare No, private health insurance no.

Then the important stuff:  Current Meds (allergies and briefly who these meds have come from and why, plus their contact address and ph nos) and then Medical History, starting with:

ENDOCRINE:  Dr (insert yr dr here), address, phone (w) and ***emergency mobile(find out an after hours contact, if you don't know, you should)****

- ADRENAL INSUFFIENCY

- or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) = 21 Hydroxalyse deficency, Salt Wasting = 21 OH, S/W

Need hydrocortisone by injection if vomiting/dehydrated and call Dr (as above), current meds, what CAH is, usual BP and last CAH assessment: blood, urine, hormones etc are all OK (or not).

Then other drs you see, including GP, Genl Medical information, Ops and anything else you think is important.

So there you have it my little chickens, a compact and complete medical history to save you worrying at a time when you cannot, easy:-)))  NIKE!! xxxooo