It is very important that parents should have an emergency contacts list for infants especially in situations that are beyond their control. Nobody can predict when an emergency can occur, but it is always important to be prepared and keep all contacts in order to secure the best outcome for the child.
Let’s take a look at a step-by-step overview of how to develop an emergency contact list, what data you need to provide, and how to manage the list updates.
Why an Emergency Contact List is Important
An emergency contact list is a very useful tool in the case of an emergency when something needs to be done without delay. From a child’s sickness, an accident that occurred in daycare, or a disaster, caregiving can be made easier when one has a list of contacts that they can turn to. Many-a-time the parents are unavailable due to work or other engagements and therefore the need for a reliable backup for times like these.
What to Include in Your Emergency Contact List
Following are some basic elements to add in your emergency contact list.
Basic Information
First you need to add some basic information about your child and the rest of the family members. This should include:
Child’s Full Name: Remember to always call out your infant by his/ her correct name loudly.
Date of Birth: This assistance helps in identification of your child especially in cases of a medical emergency.
Parents’ Names: Make sure to provide both parents’ full names while the child’s are deleted.
Home Address: This is particularly important for the emergency services and the carers.
Emergency Contacts
Choose at least two emergency contacts that should be contacted just in case you are not reachable. Consider the following criteria when choosing these individuals.
Trustworthiness: Select a person for the job on whom you can rely during an emergency.
Availability: Make sure they are usually available and are not frequently unavailable frequently.
Familiarity with Your Child: Then the contact should know your child and should be in a position to calm him or her.
Medical Information
It means that in emergencies medical history is very important. Include the following elements.
Allergies: Enumerate any of it which would be an allergy to any medication or food.
Current Medications: Record any medications the child is on and the amount he/she is allowed to take.
Paediatrician’s Contact Information: List the name of the doctor your child is attending, phone number and physical address.
Health Insurance Information: Include your health insurance information such as health insurance company and policy number.
Local Emergency Services
Make sure to have the following numbers readily available.
Emergency Services: Emergency number, 911 or any other emergency number of the given country.
Poison Control: You have the number of poison control saved on your phone, don’t you?
Local Police and Fire Departments: This means that you should include these numbers so that you can easily get a hold of those digits in case of any need to do so.
Additional Contacts
Consider adding the following contacts.
Neighbours: Neighbour, who lives close and is a blood-sister, is ready to help in case one needs it quickly.
Daycare or School Contacts: If your child is in daycare or school, provide that facility’s details particularly the telephone and fax numbers of the facility as well as key personnel.
Tips for Organising Your Emergency Contact List
Following are some tips to organise your emergency contact list.
Keep It Accessible
Put the list where it is easily visible or can be carried around like in the refrigerator, wallet or in the phone. It is recommended to use a format that can be easily transferred to the caregivers via emails or as a pdf-file.
Use a Template
Do not go without such key information by using some templates obtained on the internet. Most parenting Websites provide links to downloadable emergency contact forms that parents can complete on paper.
Regular Updates
Make sure to check and edit the contact list from time to time. Regarding the changes in the local phone numbers, the changes of the relationship status, or moving to a different area, the emergency contacts may also change.
Communicate with Contacts
Let your emergency contacts know they are listed and what medical information they should be aware of. This way they are always ready incase they need to come in.
Backup Copies
Make sure that there are several such lists; the copies should be stored in different places. Such as, keep one at work, one at home and have an electronic version on your Smartphone or on the internet.
Developing an emergency contact list for an infant is a helpful process that will allow to protect the baby. Therefore, by meticulously choosing the right persons to inform, acquiring vital medical information, renewing and making it available, the list gives a sense of assurance to both the patients and the caregivers. Accidents and other disasters do not make appointments, but if you’re ready you and your team will be happy to respond to them.