Hospital "Go Bag" Ideas
PREPAREDNESS
Having a bag ready for unexpected hospital visits ensures you have all necessary items at hand, reducing stress during emergencies. It allows you to focus on receiving medical care rather than scrambling to gather essentials. Being prepared enhances your ability to respond calmly and effectively in urgent situations.
Recently a friend of mine had to rush her husband to the hospital - it was a true emergency. This got me to thinking about putting together a list for a Hospital Go Bag with some additional tips.
Hospital Go Bag List & Tips
Get a spare bag you can comfortably keep to one side that’s large enough to fit essentials and any change of clothes. Perhaps an old duffle or backpack - we all have those laying around.
Pop in a toothbrush and a toothbrush holder or Ziplock bag. (The one they gave my friend's husband fell apart and he was pulling bristles out of his mouth all night long). Q-tips and a nail clipper/file.
Pop in a toiletries bag. If you have any sample products to hand that you can put aside, such as a travel shampoo, body wash or body lotion, add those. Wet wipes (for hands/face/body) and hand sanitizers are a lifesaver in hospitals. Dry shampoo, brush and a comb come in handy.
Deodorant, disposable razor, and shaving cream.Plastic shopping bags are great for putting in a change of clothes and having additional for soiled clothes in the hospital.
Copies of any letters from your Doctors/specialists that may come in usual at the emergency department.
If you have a lengthy history of procedures and specialists, it can help to bullet point some key dates (i.e. of procedures), where you had them done & who your specialists are including their contact information,
Jot down your emergency contact details. . It’ll save time trying to find numbers on your phone when you get there.
Write out a list of things to take so that you don’t forget anything. Consider the following:
Any medications / inhalers / medical aids
Change of clothes
Phone, charger, headphones, MP3 player, tablet
Pen & a small notebook
Slippers
Reading material
Loose change and small bills in a small coin purse
Mints / gum
Medical cards / ID if required
Snacks for you and your loved one who could use some refueling.
It’s also worth letting a close friend, relative or partner know where you keep this bag in case you need to go to the hospital from another location so they can grab it for you. You may want to give a trusted neighbor/friend/relative access to your home - spare key, garage door opener, etc. so they can have access.
If you have any other suggestions, please let me know.