Why I Created and Carry Medical Information Cards for My Family

Let me paint a picture for you.

It’s three in the morning, you’re tired and in an emergency room, trying to remember the answers to the questions the nurse is asking you. The usual questions—the ones you should know the answers to. You know them, but through the tiredness and brain fog, you just can’t quite remember.

What was the name of that medication you just started?

Or the name of that specialist you see?

Unfortunately, it’s a situation I’ve been in too many times.

Then add being a parent or carer into the mix. Being responsible for multiple people at once and trying to rely on memory alone—everyone’s details, everyone’s medical history—for every doctor’s visit, every check-up and every hospital trip.

The simple things are easy to forget between the sleep deprivation, brain fog and stress.

That’s when I came to the conclusion that it would be so much easier if I just had everything written down somewhere—and that’s how the idea began.

I started taking note of the questions that were asked most often and the details that came up again and again in the medical situations I found myself or a family member in. From there, I worked out what information needed to go on the cards.

I started with one for myself, as a self-advocacy tool and a way to communicate who I was, my personal details, and my medical history when I wasn’t able to speak. It meant that during my own medical episodes I didn’t have to fight the brain fog or struggle with my memory through the pain. I could simply hand the nurse or doctor the card and let it clearly communicate the basics for me.

This eventually evolved into a smaller, more refined version that fits into the card slot of my phone case, ensuring I always have it with me.

Then I became a mum. Then a mum of two.

At that stage, my little ones started to have their own medical histories and details that I needed to keep track of for appointments and those unfortunate trips to the emergency room from falls and fights with food fresh out of the oven.

Between the sleep deprivation that comes with parenthood and the brain fog from chronic illness, I relied heavily on the kids’ medical information cards to reference everything and make sure nothing important was forgotten.

These cards have been an absolute game changer. They’ve saved time when filling out medical paperwork, made it easier to answer questions, and reduced stress during appointments. Whether I’m advocating for myself, supporting one of my kids or caring for another family member, having our medical information readily available on a card has made a significant difference.

They’re a simple tool, but sometimes the simplest tools have the greatest impact.

For our family, these cards have been one of those tools.

Want to make your own?

I’ve turned the exact medical information cards my family uses into a printable you can personalise and keep in your wallet, phone case or medical folder. Available here.