Help me! These words are pronounced by those experiencing crisis, especially during a medical emergency. While your loved one is not moving and unconscious, you remain powerless as you are unable to do anything. Now, more than ever, you need those who can help close by. But who should that be? They should fully understand your desires; however, when deciding who would be best to contact, one important aspect is "who could be most easily contacted in an emergency?"

Keeping Them Close

When reviewing those that you would like to have contacted in your behalf, there are many important aspects to keep in mind. First and foremost, do those who will be contacted fully understand your medical choices? Do they have a copy of your advance medical directive, health care proxy, living will, or any other important legal and medical documents? Have you had a heart-to-heart talk with these so that they have heard from you own voice what your desires are on end-of-life decisions, choices of health care, and other matters?

Can these individuals be easily contacted? If these individuals are rarely in town, live outside of your community, or if they do not have a phone, then perhaps you may not wish to have them as your primary contact. They could still act as a voice for your decisions in other less urgent matters.

They Are Your Voice

During a crisis, very tough decisions will need to be made. This includes many life and death decisions. When choosing a voice for you it is important that these be able to voice themselves well before others. They may be called before a judge or lawyer. Will this unnerve them? One may decide upon a close family member that does not share your views. In a crisis, will they uphold your decisions or will they use their own personal choices?

Choosing such a person should be done carefully. The ideal person would be a family member with the same religious convictions; otherwise, this should be a person who is well-acquainted with you, your family, and your convictions. The presence of health care directives can help augment the words of those who speak for you.

Get That Number

Once you have the list of those to contact together, it is important to keep this list with you. Along with a pocket advance medical directive or medical alert jewelry, it would be advisable to have a list of those to contact and any contact information. Even if you are not unconscious yourself, you may find it hard to remember phone numbers during such an emotional period.

You should let a person know that you will be carrying their number with you. If they change their phone number or street address, be sure to let them know to contact you so that the information you carry can be updated. It is good to have any of those that have signed a health care proxy, advance medical directive, and/or living will to also be listed. They may also need to be contacted for other decisions.

Conclusion

Hopefully you will never be in such a medical crisis; however, it is important to be prepared. This means having those close to you ready and willing to answer your call, "Help me!"