HARRISBURG, Pa.—Who's watching the children? Unlike a generation or two ago, there's a good chance it's someone other than their parents. Very often, that someone is a grandparent.
With most parents in the workforce today, children spend a substantial portion of time under the supervision of grandparents and other caregivers. Yet even then, parents shoulder the primary responsibility for their children's well being-raising the issue of authorization for emergency medical care when a child is injured and parents can't be notified.
For example, what happens if a child is seriously hurt in a bike accident or suffers a severe allergic reaction and needs emergency medical attention? If the parents can't be reached immediately, who is authorized to provide consent for medical treatment?
Recognizing the need to assist parents in preparing for the unpredictable, the Pennsylvania Medical Society has developed a parental consent card that can be carried easily and accessed by grandparents and other caregivers during an emergency. With their signatures, parents designate and authorize the child's caregiver to make necessary medical decisions in the event of an emergency during their absence.
William W. Lander, MD, a family physician in Bryn Mawr and past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, is quick to point out that physicians would never delay treatment if a child's life were at stake, even if consent were unobtainable. "In a case like that, a doctor's first responsibility is to the child's health and safety. Medical treatment would begin immediately."
The consent card allows for listing of emergency contacts and the child's vital data, including allergies, medications, blood type, and medical conditions. Dr. Lander says, "Instant access to that information helps emergency department physicians to know right away what medications can or can't be administered."
In the early '70s, less than a third of American mothers of preschool children were employed. Today, according to the U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau, at least 60 percent work outside the home. And, 75 percent of women with older children, ages 6-17, are employed.
"Families today are stretched in countless ways and benefit from all the support they can get," explains Dr. Lander. "The medical consent card can ease the minds of parents and possibly speed up a child's emergency treatment."
He adds, "When a child is transported to a hospital following an accident, the emergency department makes a reasonable attempt to locate the parents. However, if initial attempts at contact fail and the caregiver is present with a signed medical consent card, treatment can begin immediately."
Grandparents and fellow caregivers can take comfort in knowing that parents have authorized them to consult with the medical team in their absence. Physicians, too, may be reassured to know that the parents' designated representative supports the team's treatment.
Just as bike helmets and safety caps on prescription bottles are essential to creating a safe environment for children, so too is providing consent for emergency medical treatment. The key is taking steps in advance so the consent is there before it's needed.
Dr. Lander knows from personal experience how useful the card can be for grandparents. He recalls carrying his granddaughters' medical consent forms, prepared by his son and daughter-in-law before they departed on a trip, and advises other grandparents to do likewise.
He cites recent U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2002 showing that almost 23 percent of children under 5 are under the regular care of a grandparent. In addition, 13 percent of preschoolers are in day care centers, while 17 percent are cared for in the home of a non-relative.
Dr. Lander offers the cards to his patients, along with a reminder to update or replace information as needed.
This is the third in a series of patient communication materials from the Pennsylvania Medical Society, which advocates for a strong patient-doctor relationship.
The series began with a medical history card that allows patients to record information about their prescription drugs, surgeries, and allergies for easy retrieval in an emergency or for quick review with their doctors. To date, the Medical Society has distributed 600,000 cards statewide.
That was followed by a Help Us Help You card for patients to jot down questions for their doctors.
The medical consent card is available in PDF format for you to print in case of an emergency. See links at the bottom of the page for these cards.
With member physicians throughout the commonwealth, as well as a statewide Patient Advisory Board, the Pennsylvania Medical Society addresses concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services.
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