I agree with the previous comment of Deborah Wolfe. The medical history is a key component in determining treatment in emergency situations. I am told that for security purposes, this is not included in the medical contact card since a teacher or coach does not always need to have this information and the school nurse can always access it, even from the mobile app. This is incorrect as a teacher or coach should always have this information with them on a field trip or sporting event, which is the only time they would be given the medical contact card, in the event of an emergency while they are off campus with the students. There is usually no time to contact the school nurse in an emergency situation. We have our parents sign a form giving us permission to share this information with school representatives and medical personnel on a need to know basis. 

I am personally reaching out in order to support the request Jim made regarding adding the medical history section to the medical contact card.  He did it on my behest.  Unfortunately, I’m finding it difficult to vote “yes” for the recommendation.

Here is the reasoning:  The medical contact card is to be printed and given to emergency personnel in the case of transportation to the hospital. Imperative information in any medical situation is the “past medical history”.

It is under this section that I place history of whether a student has had past surgery (i.e. past appendectomy is important information for a student arriving with abdominal pain), previous head injury/concussions , etc.

Unless I’m misinterpreting the purpose of the medical contact card, without the history portion it would be considered lacking from a medical perspective.

I’d be happy to discuss this matter further with anyone connected to the situation.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely-Deb Wolfe, M.D.

School Health Professional

University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy

8400 South Cambridge

Detroit, Michigan  48221

Direct: (313) 927-2362

Fax: (313) 862-3299