ModulePublishedEmergency

Emergency ‘go-bag’ for stroke (what to bring to the ER)

Heading to the ER during a stroke is chaotic, and small missing details — an unclear medication list, an unknown start time — can slow care. A simple pre-packed “go-bag” (or even one ready note) removes that friction so the team can act fast.

FoundationsCaregiver, SurvivorIntro5 minGrade 6

Educational only

Educational only — not medical advice.

Key takeaways

  • List the five details clinicians most need on arrival
  • Assemble a practical stroke go-bag in advance
  • Explain why blood thinners and an accurate timeline matter so much

Why this matters

Content outline is being prepared for review.

The five things clinicians need

  • The time the person was last known well
  • A current medication list — especially blood thinners
  • Major medical conditions
  • Allergies
  • An emergency contact plus ID and insurance details

What to pack

  • A printed, up-to-date medication list
  • Copies of ID and insurance cards
  • A short medical-history sheet
  • A phone charger and a little cash
  • Key contact numbers

Avoid common delays

  • Keep the medication list current so it’s never a guess
  • The moment symptoms start, note the time (or last-known-well)
  • Don’t waste minutes hunting for pill bottles during the emergency

Do this week

Content outline is being prepared for review.

Common misconceptions

Content outline is being prepared for review.

Key takeaways

  • Pre-pack the five essentials: last-known-well time, medications, conditions, allergies, ID/contact.
  • Blood thinners are critical to report — they change treatment.
  • Keep the medication list current and note the start time to avoid delays.

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 3 answered

Question 1

1. Which single piece of information most changes which emergency stroke treatments are safe to give?

Question 2

2. Match each go-bag item to the main reason clinicians need it.

Question 3

3. Preparing a go-bag in advance is mainly worthwhile for someone who has already had a stroke or TIA.

References

  1. Tier 1American Stroke Association2024
    Diagnosis of Stroke
  2. Tier 1American Stroke Association2024
    Stroke Symptoms (F.A.S.T. / B.E. F.A.S.T.)