| No one likes to think that something bad could | | | | ICE-Tammy and the phone numbers to reach |
| happen, but the sad truth is car accidents, heart | | | | those people. |
| attacks, sprains and broken bones occur all the | | | | If you don't carry a cell phone consider keeping a |
| time. | | | | sheet of paper with all your emergency contacts |
| With emergency room visits lasting 4 hours on | | | | listed on it. Also, keep a list on your refrigerator, |
| average throughout the U.S.A., who will watch | | | | by the front door or in your mud room. |
| your kids while you are busy with the hospital | | | | Rules |
| staff? Do you really think your children will wait | | | | Make sure whoever you choose knows the rules |
| patiently for 4 hours while mom, dad or a sibling is | | | | you set for your kids. Let me clarify, only the |
| being treated? What about snacks, a drink or | | | | important ones. Some examples would be: they |
| potty break? Are you going to be able to leave | | | | are allergic to peanuts, lemonade makes them |
| one child alone with the doctors while you take | | | | super hyper, they aren't allowed to continually |
| another to the bathroom? | | | | text message their friends, or no driving the |
| Ideally, you would have someone to babysit your | | | | family car. |
| children while you (or you and the patient) visit | | | | The person caring for your kids don't need to |
| the emergency room. | | | | know that they have to be in bed at exactly 8 |
| Befriend a Neighbor | | | | p.m. or that they can't eat sweets after 7:47 p.m. |
| Who could you ask to watch your kids? Most | | | | When All Else Fails |
| likely, your spouse, parents, in-laws, friends, and | | | | When you have no other choice but to take your |
| other relatives will be first choice. They are all | | | | children with you to the hospital, call to have |
| great choices, but you should become friends with | | | | someone meet you there ASAP. |
| a neighbor. You need to be friends with at least | | | | If possible, bring a toy that is quiet such as a |
| one of your neighbors so you can leave your kids | | | | hand held game system, a book, doll, or action |
| with them until a trusted friend or family member | | | | figure for each child. Grab something for them to |
| can come get them. | | | | eat like crackers, chips, or peanuts. If you don't |
| When selecting the person to come get the kids. | | | | have anything you can grab and go, try to at |
| Consider who is located closest and is most | | | | least grab some change for the vending machine. |
| reliable. You obviously won't pick your relatives | | | | A really easy thing to do is keep some spare |
| who live 3 hours away. You also shouldn't pick | | | | change in your car or purse. Believe me, the 5 |
| your 90 year old grandmother who can't see or | | | | minutes it takes to grab a toy and a snack could |
| hear to watch your 2 year old. | | | | save you from a couple hours of cranky, crying |
| Keep an Emergency Contact List | | | | kids. |
| Compose a list of emergency contacts along with | | | | Bad things happen in life, but you can help your |
| their phone numbers and put where others can | | | | life go a little smoother by thinking ahead. Befriend |
| find it. | | | | a neighbor, keep a list of emergency contacts at |
| If you carry a cell phone, make an entry in the | | | | home and in your purse, and start collecting spare |
| address/phone listings called "ICE" or In Case of | | | | change. |
| Emergency. An example would be ICE-Mom or | | | | |