Should your baby experience a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately to be brought to the nearest hospital.

Be Prepared When You Call 911.

The dispatcher answering 9-1-1 has been trained as to what questions to ask (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.) Once initial information is obtained additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call. Be prepared to state the nature of the emergency. This information will help the dispatcher quickly identify the most appropriate assistance.

Be prepared to follow the dispatcher's line of questioning (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.).

If you call 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is all right. If you don't, the dispatcher may think that something is wrong and send a police officer.

Collect Your Information
Complete emergency medical information can be very handy for babysitters and other caregivers or simply for your own use in case of an emergency with your children.

Collecting the following information and keeping it in a handy place, such as by the phone, will help to make sure you are prepared with the right information in case of an emergency.

Emergency Information

You should always make sure that you and any one that is caring for your kids knows the following information in case of an emergency:

• how to activate your area's emergency medical services, especially if it isn't done by calling 911
• the number for Poison Control - (800) 222-1222
• your emergency contact information, including work and cell phone numbers and a few alternative numbers and contacts
• your child's doctor's name and phone number
• your child's dentist's name and phone number
• health insurance information, including your plan and policy number
• your child's full name and date of birth
• your child's medical history, including all allergies, food allergies, medications he is taking, and any medical problems he has, especially chronic medical problems such as asthma, seizures, diabetes, etc.
• any special instructions you have
• any other emergency information you think is important, including the address and number for your home

Authorization for Medical Care
To be complete, especially if you are going to be away overnight or in another city, you might also authorize your child's caregiver to seek medical attention if your child gets sick.

Keep in mind that your child can be treated without any authorization in an emergency situation, but it often has to be a true life-threatening emergency. And to be sure that your wishes are followed, be sure to have the letter notarized.