5 Ways to Prepare for a Medical Emergency

Updated on October 27, 2020
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In any economic situation, your health is the most valuable asset you have. Whether you’re actively employed or have been recently affected by the ongoing pandemic, you need to prioritize your health plan regardless.

Whether you’re able to adjust your current budget accordingly, consider making some changes to prepare for an unexpected medical or health crisis.

No matter how much money you make, here are 5 ways to ensure that you can handle an unexpected medical emergency.

1. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Did you know that a minor infection can lead to chronic, ongoing problems if it isn’t addressed in a timely manner? You might think a small medical ailment isn’t big enough to worry about, but having an emergency supply kit is a critical component in any household.

In addition to supplies that are specific to natural and environmental disasters where you live, your emergency supply kit should contain basic necessities like:

  • Bandages
  • Instant ice packs
  • Antiseptic 
  • Alcohol

If your emergency kit contains perishable medicines and food products, be sure to rotate those as needed to keep the contents fresh.

2. Create a Household Communication Plan

Does everyone in your household know what to do in the event of an emergency? If not, it’s important to make sure everyone in your home is one the same page.

Meet with everyone at once to come to a consensus about emergency actions like:

  • Where will everyone meet in the event of an emergency?
  • Where can critical phone numbers and addresses be found?
  • Where are all emergency supplies located?
  • Does everyone need to know how to use emergency equipment and technology? If not, who are the primary point people in the event of an incident?
  • Who are the emergency contacts?
  • What is the emergency route for those who are out of the house when an event hits?

Taking the time to establish guidelines regarding travel, communication, and supply management will keep the house calm and running smoothly if a medical emergency does happen.

3. Start a Medical Rainy Day Fund

Many Americans have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That has put a strain on emergency funding for many families, but a rainy day fund is critical for everyone at every income level. 

If your household has recently experienced a pay cut or layoff, you can still get quick cash to cover an unexpected medical emergency. Title loans are available for borrowers who have asset equity and need liquid cash fast.

To find the best rates for your personal situation, conduct an online search to find title loan places near me and compare the options in your immediate area. Title loans typically don’t require credit information to approve, making this is a great option for those who have experienced economic strain in recent months.

4. Review Your Expenses

Another way to add more to your emergency fund is to take a look at your household’s current spending habits. In many cases, it’s possible to trim enough from your household budget to build a significant medical emergency savings fund. 

Are you subscribed to streaming services you don’t use often? Do you have any recurring habits that you can reduce to allocate more into savings? Even a few dollars here and there can be lifesaving in a medical emergency. 

If you don’t find enough in your budget to create a substantial savings fund, consider typing “title loan places near me” into your search bar to get a head start on your savings plan.

5. Stock Your Household Tools and Appliances

Medical emergencies aren’t always related to pre-existing conditions or sickness. Sometimes, a natural disaster can be the cause of a devastating medical incident. 

Making sure that your flashlights, radios, and emergency equipment are ready to go can mean the difference between getting out in time and sustaining a serious injury.

Every few months, go through the house to make sure there are enough batteries, chargers, spare parts, and any other tools you can think of. This ensures that, in the event of an actual emergency, your family can fall into their established emergency plan without stressing about having the tools they need.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.