Tip #215 Emergency Eventualities; Grab & Go Bags

     Have you ever heard of the "Grab and Go" bag? You know - the bag that every individual should have beside their bed or the door so that you can grab it on your way out of the house in emergencies (like natural disasters)? Well, I do think they are handy to have, but confess that I haven't been the best about making sure we always have such an animal on hand. What I do make sure we have in hand though is the Stampin' Bag.
     The Stampin' Bag? Yep. See, I love to stamp (as in making cards and such), and I was given a special bag from our local Stamping Store to use as my Grab and Go bag. Thanks Scribe's Nook! What's the difference? Well, instead of the standard items in a Grab bag like a flashlight, money, keys, and a bottle of water, we fill the bag with medical items that we would need in a hurry. For instance, we have packed everything you need to change a dressing, a day's worth of medication, a garbage bag, health card, a "911 sheet" (discussed in another post; has all medications (including the dose), allergies, any diagnoses, personal info (address, birth date etc), and the medical team info (name and contact for all physician's, specialists, case manager, involved in care) to start. Don't forget to think of your caregiver, and include little treats, maybe a book and a bottle of water for them and money for parking or lunch for your them too... The list is endless, and the contents are subject to change as your health changes. Oh, speaking of changes, a change of clothes (undies and tank top or t-shirt for sure) in case you get admitted, etc.) is a great thing to take too.
     Because I really can't help myself leave it at that, allow me to suggest some of the logistical niceties. I would suggest you consider:

• Buying a craft bag to contain it all:
• They have a very very large number of compartments
• Most compartments are transparent so you're not digging through everything constantly
• Most craft bags open to lay flat - very handy under the circumstances
• They have a great strap and are quite durable
• Next, I would suggest organizing the bag in these ways:
• Not necessarily grouping like items together, but complimentary items instead. For instance, if for your dressing change you need a couple of gauze 2x2's, a dressing, sterile water, etc, then put it all together, instead of in all separate places
• Labeling the above bags with their purpose (transfer bag, caregiver bag, medication bag). If you write it in marker on paper, and then tape the paper down by covering it entirely with packing tape it will keep it indestructible (or nearly so), and is easy to reuse
• Writing how much of each item you use in said bags above (ie. dressing change requires 3 dressings, 4 packages gauze, etc), so that next time you restock your bag you don't have to do any thinking - you are just referring to it to see what's in the bag compared to what is labelled on the bag
• Make a note of items you need to grab and stash in your bag right before you leave
• Anything you need from the fridge but can't pack because it's perishable
• Anything you need on a day to day basis (like blood glucose monitor) that you should bring, but need to keep out for convenience
• Punch a hole in the grab and stash sheet and tie or tape it to the Grab and Go bag so that you are ready in an instant whilst having all you need with you
• Make point of updating the bag once a month:
• Replace any items that are expired
• Update your emergency sheets and personal info
• Replace any items you've used

     Of course, your Grab and Go bag should be tailored to your needs. Maybe you need less of an emergency bag, and more of a "I'll be admitted to hospital regularly" bag, that has clothes, and books and toiletries instead. I've used it regularly as an "appointment bag" when we know we'll be gone for hours and hours. Many have asked me "Won't the hospital/clinic give you those things?" and perhaps you are asking that as well. The truth is, in most instances, they will NOT give you such things. Why? Aside from the obvious medical oddity items being difficult to provide for you if they are not used at that particular institution, there are liability issues. If you are an outpatient, it is more likely than not that no one will want to take responsibility for your primary care needs - so it's best that you bring what you need. If they decide to grant your request at any time - well, lets call this a bonus, and not an expectation to be safe. Hope that's helpful!

Happy packing!