18 Things to Pack in Your Emergency Room Bag

April 21, 2016

While some trips to the Emergency Room may be not traumatic, in reality- all trips to the Emergency Room are usually unexpected and unplanned. So today I wanted to suggest a couple of things that can help with making this visit a little more comfortable and productive by preparing in advance an Emergency Room Bag. 

(I do suggest having this Emergency Room Bag somewhere that is easily accessible. The purpose of this specific bag is that you will not have to go flying around the house gathering things that you may need in a crisis situation, therefore you want the bag to be easily seen and to be used. And while there could be many emergencies that take place where you will not have your bag handy- this will hopefully help in the situations and times that you do.)


(1) Small Pillow. 

(Hospital chairs (and "beds") are notoriously uncomfortable. Sometimes having the chance to have a small pillow to use to prop your head up or to use to lean against a wall while you are in the waiting room is incredible helpful. I would suggest getting a travel size pillow - they are light and small and can easily fit in your bag. (Side note: Don't buy a pillow that you have to inflate. If you are seriously ill you are not going to have the desire or energy to do this. Yes, I have seen this done.)

(2) Eye Covers. 

Lights can be extremely annoying when you are seriously ill.

(3)Your Health Notebook or a mini version of your Health Notebook. 

Don't have a Health Notebook? Click HERE for instructions.

(4) Comfy Shirt/Pants 

This can be incredibly helpful in making you feel more comfortable. Just make sure that these items are easy to slip on and off. 

(5) Copy of an easy to read book


(6) Favorite Magazine


(7) Deck of Cards


(8) Small Blanket

Sometimes the rooms in the ER are freezing and those "warm" blankets don't last very long!

(9) a
 reminder note to grab your wallet or purse 

(10) If you are not going to use your Health Notebook than make sure to have a copy of your doctors information in your bag.


(11) Cell Phone Charger


(12) Extra copy of Your medicine list and your supplement list


(13) Instant Ice or Hot Pack 


(14) Ear plugs


(15) Face Mask


(16) Tissues.


(17) Small garbage bag


(18) Pack a new or favorite stuffed animal for small children.


What do y'all grab as you head to the ER? Any suggestions or thoughts we could add to this list? Happy Thursday y'all! 


{Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}

6 comments

  1. According to your post, I'm a small child! Blankie and my stuffed beagle )(reminds me of my real beagle at home) are top on the list for ER visits, vacations, and college.

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  2. Hello!! This is a great idea! Haven't thought about it...another thing to do...

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  3. Thanks for the list! Still praying!

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  4. Thankfully I've never needed to go to the ER very often, but I agree with you about being prepared. I had my son 2 weeks early and I hadn't even packed my hospital bag yet! Needless to say I pack everything very early now.

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  5. Great ideas! Still praying that you continue to feel better!

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  6. Great list. I would suggest packing a little snack as well. Sometimes you're there for long hours so that will come in handy for little kids as well.

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