Keep It Simple

Covid-19 is having a dramatic effect on of the lives of people and businesses throughout the world. It has brought out the best qualities in many but also highlighted the selfishness in others. But in the UK and North America, things are about to get worse.

Looking at the modelling numbers based on the Italian death rates the UK is running about 14 days behind and has been tracking fairly consistently from day 1. This means that in two weeks we will be seeing daily deaths of over 400 per day. It could even be higher since the shutting of bars and restaurants occurred later in the UK that Italy and we have yet to reach a total lock down.

I just wanted to highlight one small way which you can help the emergency services and hospital teams deal with you in the most efficient manner. Get all of your medical information up-to-date NOW. If you do have to be taken into hospital as a result of Corona or any other condition give the paramedics every chance of dealing with your situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. Having your medical information to hand will save a paramedic between 20 and 40 minutes as they do not have to go hunting for this information. This means getting you to hospital quicker and allowing hospital staff to admit you more efficiently. It also means that the ambulance crews are back out on the road. In a 12 hour shift this could mean them seeing 2 more patients.

There really isn't any excuse if we are self-isolating. Put a pause on watching Game of Thrones again and take the time to document your medication, medical and family history and allergies. Don't forget to document your next of kin. And for goodness sake do not store this information in your phone. It is extremely unlikely that any paramedic will check your phone in an emergency.

There are two ways to compile this information. The first is to write out the information. If there is a lot of it then you might want to create a file. You'll need this for each member of your family. Corona does not discriminate. It will affect the young and old, men and women, Christians and Muslims, white or persons of colour.

The alternative is to get hold of a medical alert device and digitally attach your medical record to a small device like a wristband, card or key fob. It's a little easier to carry than a folder and can contain much more information.

I know that this is exactly the kind of thing we provide through Tap2Tag but whether you want one of our devices or not the message should be clear, get prepared and make life a little easier for our emergency services.

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