You are accompanying someone to the Emergency Room

What can you do to help?

Here are a few measures you can take to help the person you are accompanying when his case is being managed by the medical team:

• Notify the attending team of the patient's health status.
• Make sure to carry the patient's medical insurance and hospital cards as well as a list of his medications.
• Help him to feed himself (unless indicated otherwise).
• Help him with his personal hygiene (face washing, shaving, toothbrushing, etc.)
• Label and identify bags for clothes, shoes, etc.
• Recover his valuables (money, credit cards, wallet, jewels, medical insurance card, etc.). Leave as few personal belongings or valuables as possible in the Emergency Room.

Respect the following guidelines:

• One visitor per patient at all times.
• Never eat in front of the patient, especially if he is instructed to fast.
• Leave the patient assessment room when asked to do so by the attending team (e.g., when the patient must be examined, receive care, or rest).

Your presence makes a difference

Children, seniors, and people with a loss of autonomy or with a physical or mental disability need your comfort, company, and reassurance.