It’s 8 pm and the pain in your chest is still there.  You finally admit to your loved one that maybe it’s time to go to the hospital.  You can see their worry as they grab the car keys and hurry you out the door to the emergency room…

Let’s face it, going to the hospital can be a little frightening.  But there are ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones.  A little bit of preparation can make the experience better for everyone: you, your family, and the hospital staff.

1. Make sure that your Durable Medical Power of Attorney is up-to-date.  This document names the person (or persons) you would like to make medical decisions for you if you can’t do so.  Review this document periodically to make sure your choice(s) is still valid.
2. Review your Advance Medical Directive or Living Will.  This document states your desires regarding treatments you would (or would not) want to receive in the hospital if you cannot make these decisions yourself.  Your living will is an important resource for your healthcare power of attorney should he/she need to make decisions about your care.
3. Make your decision about organ donation and document it.  If you would like to donate your organs at the time of your passing, make that decision now and put it in writing.  One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and the need far exceeds the supply.
4. Complete your “5 Wishes”, and let your family have a copy of it.  If you haven’t completed a “5 Wishes”, talk to your loved ones about your healthcare choices: who you’ve named as your healthcare power of attorney, what your medical wishes are, and whether you want to be an organ donor.  The more they know in advance, the easier it will be for them if they ever have to step in. 

At the hospital, the ER staff asks you many questions.  One of them is whether you have an Advance Medical Directive or Living Will and a Durable Medical Power of Attorney.  You or your loved one should present your medical documents, if you have them with you.