IMPORTANT - If you are hospitalized unexpectedly

People rarely if ever have a choice when being admitted to a hospital, either a choice of hospitals or even whether to go. In the case of a serious accident or illness you might not even be conscious or able to communicate.

Having contact information for your family or other trusted people is extremely important. Delay in having them aware of your situation and location is more time for things to go wrong.

If you are the patient you are nearly helpless. Any reservations or objections can be dismissed as the result of your "dimished capacity". If you try to leave you will be drugged and restrained. If you are uncooperative in any way you will almost certainly be sedated. If you find yourself in a hospital and do not know how or why you got there, above all remain calm. Any excuse will do for for those in charge to render you helpless for their convenience, and they have little fear of being held accountable.

If you are already in restraints, carefully observe and try to commit to memory the details - the type of material, whether it is an actual medical restraint or improvised (wire, rope, etc.), which extremeties are restrained (arms, legs), discomfort or injuries and whether these are addressed when called to the attention of the staff.

Ask why you are being restrained. Ask to see a signed order from the physician. Whatever reason is given, insist on a daily examination and evaluation and justification for your remaining restrained FROM THE RESPONSIBLE PHYSICIAN. Be sure and get his/her name. This is very important. If a doctor does not visit you at least daily, this is very important.

Above all, remain calm as much as you are able. Often drugs administered to you will make this even more difficult. But try to remain calm and cooperative. This can be difficult even with a clear mind, but it is crucial to your survival and recovering your health.

If you do not have the ability to record information, request writing materials at the earliest opportunity. You probably will not have your phone - ask for it. Phones are valuable tools for collecting evidence. They probably will not give it to you, and may or may not offer a reason. If you do not have a charger, ask for one and be sure it is plugged in and within easy reach. Again these requests may be denied. That is why contact with trusted family or friends at the earliest opportunity is essential.

Observe name tags, try to remember and record if possible names and titles. If name tags are not present or visible, try to commit to memory appearance, speech and mannerisms. Note the appearance (e.g. dress and grooming) and attitude towards you.

Above all, if someone you trust has not yet arrived, get them there as soon as possible. If they have refused to give you your phone, this is a good reason to insist they do so as it will have contact information you need.



Status: In progress
Last updated: Sat 07 Jan 2023 06:53:12 PM CST : 1673139192