When we are seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, first responders that arrive at the crash scene immediately assess and address any physical injuries then we could be whisked away to a hospital for weeks and quite possibly months as we face our recovery journey. Many of us may be discharged from a trauma hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation centre for extensive treatment before we even make it home.
Unlike organizing for an overnight stay at a hospital when you have surgery booked or are expecting a child, crash survivors are suddenly brought to an emergency department by ambulance or helicopter without an overnight bag.
Here are 12 items to bring your loved one when they are in a hospital.
- Cell phone/Tablet/Laptop and chargers – We will have a lot of down time and if we can, we want to be able to keep in contact.
- Earbuds or headphones for phone or computer – It may get loud in our room especially if we share a room with others. It’s critical to us to be able to block out any unwanted noise and it can also be calming for us.
- Books, Magazines and/or Newspaper – A highly recommended book that comes to mind is: Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Motor Vehicle Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery which is available on Amazon.
- Notebook and Pens – There will be a lot of information shared with us daily from medical professionals and we will need to write things down. A journal would be a great idea as it’s important that we start to keep track of our progress and how we are feeling.
- Personal Items – Medications in their container, contact lenses, glasses, hearing aids, eye mask for sleeping, walking aids, soap, skin care products, suitable pair of shoes -non-skid or rubber sole to help prevent falls.
- A Small bag – We will need something to carry around our belongings when we leave our room – either for treatment, exercise or to just sit in a tv room.
- Cash – There will vending machines, gift shops and a cafeteria at the hospital and we may need a break to grab a treat.
- Clothes – Comfortable pajamas, robe, socks, underwear and you may even want to bring us our own pillow from home.
- Toiletries – We will need our stuff! Items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, q-tips, shampoo, hair brush or comb, hair elastics, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, tissues, pocket mirror, lip balm, dental floss ect.
- Loose Clothing – Button up shirts, large comfy pants with elastic waistbands, hat, sweater and scarf as it could be cold in our room.
- Snacks/Drinks – It’s important to find out what we can have and what we cannot have in terms of drinks and snacks as we may be highly medicated. Plain crackers are a great choice as well as juice and bottled water if you are not sure.
- Make us Comfortable – Soft blanket, a photo from home a plant or favourite item that will bring positivity to our room.
Much of the time, facing a hospital stay is daunting. Hospitals are not the most comfortable or private place, and the days can be long and draining. Treatment after a traumatic motor vehicle crash can mean an extended hospitalization. How much medical care we require is highly dependent on the type and severity of injuries sustained in the crash.
Although we appreciate cards, flowers and treats, the things you can pack for us will make a huge difference in how our hospital stay goes. A little thought and planning into organizing a bag for us can be so beneficial after surviving such a traumatic experience.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
