What is an E.R.I.K.?
Emergencies can happen at any time, an Emergency Response Information Kit is a tool to provide emergency personnel with vital health information to help them quickly and accurately respond to the situation.
If in the event of an emergency you are unable to provide information to paramedics and are alone, an E.R.I.K can provide paramedics with the health information they need to provide the appropriate care.
What to include in the kit:
- A health information form that you can fill out with the following information
- Your name
- Address
- Health card number
- Next of kin
- Family physician and phone number
- Medical history
- Allergies
- List of current medications
- Any Health Care Directives / Goals of Care you have
- Organ donor card
- Any other pertinent health care information you have
Insert your information into a clear plastic bag or folder and place in an easily accessible and visible spot
For example: a Ziploc bag held to your refrigerator door with a magnet
Q: Who should have an E.R.I.K.?
A: The kit is ideal for
- Seniors
- Chronically Ill persons
- Those who live alone or have caregivers
- Those with speech or language difficulties.
Making a health emergency plan? Make E.R.I.K a part of it
You may also want to consider an emergency supplies kit
Have supplies ready in case of an emergency, store them in a backpack or duffle bag so you can take them with you should you have to leave your home .
Consider the following supplies:
- Water
- Canned or packaged food
- Can opener
- Warm clothing /change of clothing
- Blankets
- First aid kit / prescription medications
- Toiletries
- Battery powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- Spare cash
- Extra set of car / house keys
- Pertinent medical information / family doctor
- Photocopies of important identification
- Cell phone charger
- List of important contact numbers
Concerned about access to your home?
If you are concerned about EMS, FIRE or Police being able to access your home in the event of an emergency you may want to consider installing a lock box key holder to allow emergency services personnel access to your home or consider a keypad lock with a combination you can provide to 911.
If you are interested in obtaining a lock box key holder please contact:
- Medavie Health Services West- Moose Jaw at 306-694-2151
