Emergency rooms deliver immediate medical care for unexpected injuries and illnesses, offering support when reliable help is most needed. Taking a few items with you, if possible, may make the check-in experience smoother. When you arrive with the necessary documents and information, the medical team can begin your care more quickly and efficiently. This is what to bring to the emergency room:
Photo ID
A photo ID is used to verify your identity during registration and helps protect your medical information. Simple options include a driver’s license or a passport, both of which help staff verify your name and other details. If you have your health insurance card, bring that too because it allows the hospital to process your visit properly. Staff may ask for both, but having at least one form of identification is helpful.
List of Medications
It is helpful to bring a comprehensive list of all the medications you are taking right now, both prescription and over-the-counter. Include the dose and how often you take each medication, along with the names of any vitamins or supplements. If you use a pill organizer, bring it along for reference, or take a clear photo of each bottle label.
A detailed medication list prevents mistakes and negative drug interactions. By providing all this information upfront, you help your care team protect your health. You may be too unwell to remember every detail, so preparing this list in advance is a practical step that benefits both you and your providers.
Try keeping an updated list in your wallet, purse, or phone, written clearly for anyone who needs to use it. When you focus on your health in the emergency room, a ready list gives you comfort and prevents confusion. Communication is sometimes limited, so having everything written down is a big help for hospital staff.
Emergency Contact Information
Staff may ask you to provide emergency contact information at check-in. Your emergency contact may be asked to help make decisions if you’re unable to speak for yourself. Trust someone who can support your wishes and communicate with care staff in a calm and clear way.
For each emergency contact, provide a full name, their relationship to you, and a reliable phone number. Some facilities also request a backup contact if you have one. This preparation assists the team in updating your loved ones about your progress, which can be reassuring for everyone.
Allergy Information
Clear allergy information will help the emergency team keep you safe. Tell the staff about allergies to medications, certain foods, or environmental triggers such as bees and latex. Even if an allergy seems mild, sharing that detail is part of keeping your care tailored and your risk low.
Be specific on your allergy list and include:
- Medications (such as penicillin or sulfa drugs)
- Foods (like peanuts, tree nuts, or shellfish)
- Environmental triggers (latex, pollen, bee stings)
When you arrive, hand this list to the staff so they can quickly document it in your medical chart. By making allergies visible and accessible, you give your care team clear guidance for avoiding triggers, which is especially useful if you are unable to communicate.
Visit an Emergency Room Immediately
For some symptoms, time makes a difference. Chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, or sudden signs of a stroke require urgent attention. Reach out for help if your condition feels life-threatening or if you are unable to stay safe at home. If you or someone near you is facing a medical emergency, take action and seek immediate care.
