Emergency contacts are one or two people you choose to be called in case you become unwell, are taken to the hospital, or are in need of help.
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Having an emergency contact is important because it ensures someone is available to provide assistance, speak on your behalf is needed, and/or offer support in case of an urgent situation or health crisis.
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- Know that an emergency contact may need to be a point of communication to health care professionals during an emergency.
- In critical situations, an emergency contact may be asked about your personal health information, if you are unable to do so.
- An emergency contact may provide emotional support and comfort during stressful or traumatic events.
- Consider if your emergency contact can be the same person as your health advocate and your temporary substitute decision-maker (TSDM) or substitute decision-maker (SDM).
Things To Consider
- Make sure your emergency contact(s) information includes their first and last name, phone number, and their relationship or connection to you.
- Discuss your choice of emergency contacts with your family and physician. Typically, emergency contacts are family members and/or close friends. Make sure they live within 15 minutes of you, are available to help during the day, understand your wishes and preferences, and can communicate well with others in emergency situations.
Have a Plan
- Have a plan to contact your emergency contact, health advocate or care partner if you need immediate help.
- Talk with your physician, specialist or pharmacist to determine who to call for what and when.
- Call emergency services (911) if symptoms become life-threatening or you have difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, loss of consciousness.
- Reach out to 811 to ask for general health information, direct you on how to monitor your symptoms, or help you find health care in your community, if needed. Navigation services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from Healthlink BC.
Mywell Health helps you organize your health information. List your emergency contacts on your Health Profile fillable PDF found in My Health Information. Save to print and digital files for easy access.