What do you pack when you take loved one to ER?

I agree with EssieMarie, all I do is grab a jacket and my purse. Sig other brings a sweatshirt and his wallet as hospitals are always chilly.

If one is having a reaction to a new medicine, instead of bringing the bottle of medicine, just bring alone that paper phamplet that the pharmacy tucks inside the bag.

If you live in an area where there are numerous hospitals nearby, go on-line to see what are the wait times for each ER, and choose the one with the shortest wait. With todays hospitals, all info is computerized linked [thanks to Obamacare]. Thus, if I go into the ER, the hospital can link to my primary doctor to get current records. And vise-versa. Any blood tests, x-rays, etc. can be linked back to my primary doctor.

Last time I was in the ER, I got so annoyed at sig-other because he was more interested in what was on his cellphone than paying attention to what the nurses and doctors were saying :P I rather he would have dozed off out of boredom waiting for test results. Any time he grumbled, I would ask if he wanted to trade places. Some family members just don't play well with others at the hospital.

All good answers. I'll add a couple of thoughts.. your LO's driver's license or photo ID, meds for yourself if needed, pen, reading glasses, change or debit card for vending machine or parking fee, your LO's contact info for friends and/or doctors,

MACinCT - love the idea of keeping the bag prepacked and in the car.

Oh forgot to mention, most important item is insurance documents and any known allergies.

I have found through many years of calling paramedics that you don't need to pack anything!! Just a robe if he or she is cold. If admitted to hospital, then start the packing process.

Different answer, I'd take something to put all your LOs meds into to take home, except the immediate next dose, because hospitals so often confiscate and do not return them, in spite of what they cost. And also take a list of the meds they are taking, when and why.

Take your LO's px and next lot of meds.

I'd also recommend a pillow and a shawl, wrap or fleece: hospital seating is hard on the hindquarters and ER's are draughty.