This is from Mamie on the acor mm listserv-

NEVER EVER GO TO EMERGENCY ROOM EMPTY-HANDED.

I totally agree!

The best thing I ever did was to computerize all of Mom's information and
pre pack bags.

I have an excel spreadsheet that shows:

    *   All conditions - MM, Amyloid...
    *   Medication names (prescription and over the counter)
    *   Dosage (i.e. 500 mg)
    *   How/when taken (i.e. 2 x a day)
    *   What the drug is prescribed to treat
    *   What Dr prescribed the med
    *   All allergies (in bold and red)
    *   All doctors names, phone numbers, with specialty
    *   Family/Emergency contact names & numbers
    *   Special notes in bold blue (i.e. do not use contrast for MRI, only
use paper tape...)
We keep at least 5 printed in a folder at all times.  One is  always posted
on the refrigerator door for easy access in case I am not there  when it is
needed.  Whenever there is a change I update and reprint.   I can also e-mail it
to anyone if needed.

I also keep a copy of the living will in the envelope so if admitted we  have
that handy too.

The visiting nurses, physical therapists, home care aids, visiting doctors,
new doctors, ambulance drivers, emergency rooms and hospitals love  it.  It
also saves you from repeating the same information at least twice  if not 3, 4
or 5 times to the ambulance, ER & at admitting.

We also keep a two small bags packed:

One with a couple bottles of water, some granola bars, hard candies, a  cross
word puzzle book, a small phone book with all family and friends  phone
numbers, hand held computer game, a blow up pillow, a small  blanket, and a roll of
quarters (for the vending machines or pay phone if  my cell battery runs
out).  The other bag with her toiletries, night gown,  slippers, a couple pair of
undies...

That way when we go to the ER (which is sometime very often) we grab the
information folder and the two bags.  It makes the wait a little more
comfortable, then if she is admitted I get her essentials from the car and  she is
comfortable until I bring anything else she needs on the following  day.

Just a few things we do to try to make it less stressful in hectic  times.