10 Essentials to Create an Emergency Kit for Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

If you have pulmonary hypertension (PH), it’s wise to create an emergency kit with everything you may need in an emergency, that can be quickly accessed or taken with you when you travel or need to go to the hospital. According to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, here are some of the essential items you should include in your emergency kit.

Cellphone
Alway carry your cellphone with you. Get in the habit of charging it when you’re at home so that the battery doesn’t drain while you’re out.

Emergency Phone List
This should include the numbers of all the doctors you see; hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that you visit regularly; drug representatives; and your local ambulance company.

Doctor’s Note
Ask your doctor if they will write down the specifics of your condition and the medications you need. You can then put the information onto a small card and laminate it.

MORE: Five tips to help you live well with pulmonary hypertension.

Medications
All of your medications should be in your emergency kit. If you need to go to the hospital, they might not have the exact meds you need.

Medical Supplies
Everything you need to mix, dispense, infuse or inhale your meds, including pumps, valves, tubing, inhalers, needles, syringes, batteries, cleaning products and alcohol pads. A thermometer will help you determine if you have an infection and a small blood pressure monitor will enable you to give vital information to your doctor over the phone.

Medical Alert Bracelet
It’s advisable to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace in case of emergency, so first responders can treat you accordingly.

Overnight Bag
Having a pre-packed overnight bag with nightwear, underwear, a change of clothes, slippers and toiletries will save time if you have to go to the hospital.

MORE: Seven facts about pulmonary hypertension you might find interesting

Items for Infusion
Catheter repair kit, backup pump, and ice packs or a small cooler box to cool medications down when you’re out of the house.

Items for Oxygen Therapy
An extra prescription and a photocopy to keep on your person, a portable E-tank and flow regulator, spare nasal cannulas, tubing, and connectors. In addition, you should also have a back-up oxygen tank, oxygen regulator, oxygen tank tool, and tank cart.

Items for Sleep Apnea
If you have sleep apnea you will probably need either a BiPAP or CPAP machine to help regulate your breathing during the night. You will need to take this to the hospital with you along with all the relevant masks, tubing and connectors.

MORE: Four tips for caring for someone with pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Hypertension News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.