At Work or Out with Family: Accidents can Happen Anywhere, Knowing What to do is Important

No one likes to think about emergencies, but the unfortunate truth is that you must have a plan to be prepared. Accidents can happen at any time, in any place, and knowing what to do can make all the difference in the outcome. Proper planning in the event of an accident is an essential safeguard for you and your family.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that accidental injuries account for around 30 million emergency room visits every year. The number of physician’s office visits due to injuries is around 92 million. Even more concerning, accidental injury now ranks as the #3 leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the National Safety Council. This includes incidents in the home, the workplace and in motor vehicles.

So what can you do now to be ready for something that could happen at any time?

Rehearse Scenarios 

We all know it’s a good idea to plan ahead. This is especially true for emergency preparedness. Although you can never fully plan for an unexpected event of any kind, you can at least imagine some of the more common scenarios. It’s a good idea to sit down with your family and just talk over the best course of action for everyone in each one of these situations. For example, in case of a house fire, map out all the exits in the house and discuss the best routes to take. Designate a safe spot to meet outside, like a trusted neighbor’s where you can call for help. This is just one example and it can be applied in the workplace, as well.

Carry Important Information

When accidents happen, it can feel chaotic. As prepared as we may be, it is easy to panic. Having all your important personal information available is extremely helpful to any first responders who are trying to help. As per the atlantapiattorney.com/car-accidents/, if you are injured or unconscious, immediately seek medical attention and then contact a car accident lawyer. Knowing your medical history, medical conditions, or any medications can make a huge difference in how fast they are able to give you the right treatment. Even if family members or coworkers are present, it is unlikely that they know all your medical information by heart. Your local police or fire department may be involved in a program like the File of Life, which provides free packets to keep all this information in one safe place where they know to find it.

Build a Team of Contacts

Just like how carrying pertinent information is so critical, the right contact information is just as important. Primary doctors and specialists should always be listed, as well as a trusted family attorney or law firm. Derrick Law Firm defines personal injury as any injury sustained by another person’s actions, through negligence, recklessness or intention. Many times, people involved in an accident are initially too traumatized to realize someone else may be at fault. It is always a good idea to consult with a lawyer after an accident of any nature. Lastly, make sure that your emergency contacts know that you have their contact information on record.

Accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial pain. The stress of undergoing any kind of accident can be overwhelming. Just taking a few small steps to better prepare yourself and your family can help alleviate some of that stress, and may even save a life.

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