Help Emergency
Medical Services
Help You!
No one wants to call 911 but you can help EMS responders by having these in place in case of an emergency:
Register with DC Smart911. Get faster emergency care! This online service lets you share vital health info (illnesses, medications) with DC Department of Health. When an ambulance arrives, EMS responders can quickly access this information allowing them to provide the best care for you right away. Sign up today
Keep health info on your fridge door. EMS responders are trained to look there for emergency information. Put copies of important documents — medical history, medication list, emergency contact info, living will, powers of attorney, e.g., — in a marked plastic bag and tape it to your fridge door, for a quick grab-and-go.
Keep important items near the door. Keep your keys, phone, and wallet or purse, in a visible spot near your door. EMS responders will grab these things to transport with you if they can do so quickly.
File an electronic MOST form with the DC Department of Health. This advance directive outlines your preferences for life-sustaining treatments in case of an emergency. Update existing paper MOST forms online and share copies with your healthcare providers and family. Be sure to put one in the info packet on your fridge door.
You’ll see some redundancy in these tips. That’s a cornerstone of emergency planning. If one source of information fails, another saves the day.
If you need help using online resources or hand-filling forms so they’re readable, our Glover Park Village volunteers would happily help. Contact us here, by submitting a service request form or call 202-436-5545.