Emergency Preparedness

Be ready when symptoms flare or emergencies arise. This page provides printable medical ID cards, condition-specific emergency action plans, hospital visit preparation guides, and critical contact numbers -- all designed for patients living with invisible illnesses.

Medical ID Card

Printable

Fill in and print this card to keep in your wallet, car, or emergency bag. Having critical medical information immediately accessible can save valuable time during an emergency and ensure accurate treatment.

InvisibleSignal Medical ID

Emergency Information

Full Name

______________________________

Date of Birth

____ / ____ / ________

Blood Type

________________

Primary Condition(s)

______________________________

Current Medications

______________________________

Allergies

______________________________

Emergency Contact 1

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Emergency Contact 2

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Primary Physician

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Emergency Action Plans

4 protocols

Step-by-step protocols for the most common emergency scenarios faced by patients with invisible illnesses. Review these with your care team and share with household members.

Anaphylaxis Response

criticalAlpha-gal Syndrome

1Administer epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately into outer thigh -- through clothing if necessary.
2Call 911 immediately. State: 'I am having anaphylaxis and have used my epinephrine.'
3Lie down with legs elevated unless experiencing breathing difficulty -- if so, sit upright.
4Use a second epinephrine dose after 5-15 minutes if symptoms do not improve.
5Do not stand or walk -- even if feeling better. Biphasic reactions can occur hours later.
6Go to the emergency room even if symptoms resolve. Observation for at least 4 hours is recommended.

Important: Anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors. Replace before expiration date.

Syncope / Near-Syncope Response

urgentPOTS / Dysautonomia

1At first sign of dizziness or tunnel vision, lie down immediately on the nearest safe surface.
2Elevate legs above heart level (prop against a wall or stack pillows under knees).
3If unable to lie down, sit and lower your head between your knees.
4Drink 16 oz of water with electrolytes (salt tabs, oral rehydration solution, or sports drink).
5Apply counter-pressure maneuvers: cross legs and squeeze thighs, or grip and tense arm muscles.
6Wait at least 10 minutes after symptoms resolve before slowly sitting up, then standing.
7Call 911 if loss of consciousness lasts more than 1 minute or injury occurred during fall.

Important: Do not try to 'push through' pre-syncope symptoms. Falls from fainting can cause serious head injuries.

Severe Fatigue Crisis

importantME/CFS Post-Exertional Malaise

1Stop all activity immediately. Do not attempt to finish tasks -- even small ones.
2Move to a dark, quiet room. Reduce all sensory stimulation (lights, sounds, screens).
3Lie flat in a comfortable position. Use eye mask and earplugs if available.
4Hydrate with electrolyte-rich fluids. Eat small, easily digestible meals if tolerated.
5Cancel or reschedule all obligations for the next 24-72 hours minimum.
6Do not attempt to exercise or 'walk it off' -- this worsens post-exertional malaise significantly.
7Contact your care team if symptoms include new fever, confusion, or chest pain.
8Resume activity only when baseline energy returns, and increase gradually (pacing protocol).

Important: Post-exertional malaise can be delayed 24-72 hours after overexertion. Track activity levels to identify triggers.

Tick Bite Response

urgentLyme Disease Prevention

1Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible.
2Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or crush the tick body.
3Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, heat, or other 'folk remedies' to detach the tick.
4Place the removed tick in a sealed bag or container with a damp cotton ball. Label with date and body location.
5Clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
6Take a clear photograph of the tick (top and bottom) for species identification.
7Contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours. Prophylactic doxycycline may be appropriate.
8Monitor for symptoms for 30 days: expanding rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, joint pain.
9Consider sending the tick to a testing laboratory (check tickcheck.com or your state health department).

Important: Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease, but early treatment is critical. The classic bull's-eye rash appears in only 70-80% of cases.

Hospital Visit Checklist

Being prepared for hospital and ER visits is especially critical for patients with invisible illnesses, where symptoms may not be immediately apparent to medical staff. Use this checklist to ensure you are heard, documented, and treated appropriately.

Documents to Bring

Printed Medical ID card (from this page) with current medications and allergies
Complete medication list with dosages, frequencies, and prescribing physicians
Chronological diagnosis history with dates, diagnosing physicians, and key test results
Insurance cards (primary and secondary) plus photo ID
Advance directive or healthcare power of attorney documents if applicable
List of previous surgeries, hospitalizations, and adverse drug reactions
Recent lab results or imaging reports relevant to your conditions

Questions to Ask

How does this treatment interact with my existing conditions and medications?
What are the potential side effects, especially for patients with autonomic dysfunction?
When should I follow up, and with which specialist?
Are there alternative treatments if this one is contraindicated for my conditions?
What symptoms should prompt me to return to the ER?
Can you provide written discharge instructions I can share with my primary care team?

What to Tell ER Staff

Lead with your diagnoses and state that they are confirmed by specialists (name them).
Explain that invisible illnesses may not present with typical vital sign abnormalities.
Clarify which symptoms are your baseline versus what is new or worsening today.
Mention any specialist protocols you follow (e.g., IV saline for POTS flares).
Provide your specialist's contact information so ER staff can consult directly.
Ask that your conditions be documented in the chart even if they seem unrelated to the visit.

Advocacy Tips

Bring a trusted person as your advocate who can speak on your behalf if you are unable.
If your concerns are dismissed, calmly ask: 'Can you document in my chart that you are declining to test for this?'
Request a patient advocate from the hospital if you feel your care is inadequate.
You have the right to request a different physician or a second opinion.
Keep a written log of what was said, by whom, and at what time during your visit.
If you experience discrimination or neglect, file a formal complaint with the hospital's patient relations department.

Emergency Numbers

4 contacts

Save these numbers in your phone and share them with your emergency contacts. In a crisis, having the right number immediately accessible can make a critical difference.

Emergency Services

24/7

911

For life-threatening emergencies including anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injuries.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

24/7

988

Free, confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text. Chronic illness can take a significant toll on mental health -- reaching out is a sign of strength.

Poison Control Center

24/7

1-800-222-1222

Expert guidance for poisoning emergencies, medication overdoses, adverse drug interactions, and accidental ingestions. Free and confidential.

CDC Information Line

Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET

1-800-232-4636

General health information, disease prevention guidance, vaccination questions, and referrals to local health departments and testing resources.

Explore Related Modules

Treatment Guide

Evidence-based treatment info

Provider Directory

Find specialists near you

Community Resources

Support orgs & financial aid

Symptom Screener

Clinical pre-screening tool

Data Sources (3)

American Heart Association (AHA). Emergency Preparedness Guidelines. 2024.
CDC. Emergency Planning and Response. 2024.
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Patient Resources for Emergency Care. 2024.

Disclaimer: This page provides informational resources only and does not constitute medical advice. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 first. Consult your healthcare provider to customize these protocols for your specific conditions. Organization listings do not imply endorsement by InvisibleSignal.

Last updated: August 2026. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7).

Emergency Preparedness

Medical ID Card

Printable

InvisibleSignal Medical ID

Emergency Information

Full Name

______________________________

Date of Birth

____ / ____ / ________

Blood Type

________________

Primary Condition(s)

______________________________

Current Medications

______________________________

Allergies

______________________________

Emergency Contact 1

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Emergency Contact 2

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Primary Physician

Name: ________________ Phone: ________________

Emergency Action Plans

4 protocols

Step-by-step protocols for the most common emergency scenarios faced by patients with invisible illnesses. Review these with your care team and share with household members.

Anaphylaxis Response

criticalAlpha-gal Syndrome

1Administer epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately into outer thigh -- through clothing if necessary.
2Call 911 immediately. State: 'I am having anaphylaxis and have used my epinephrine.'
3Lie down with legs elevated unless experiencing breathing difficulty -- if so, sit upright.
4Use a second epinephrine dose after 5-15 minutes if symptoms do not improve.
5Do not stand or walk -- even if feeling better. Biphasic reactions can occur hours later.
6Go to the emergency room even if symptoms resolve. Observation for at least 4 hours is recommended.

Important: Anaphylaxis can be fatal within minutes. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors. Replace before expiration date.

Syncope / Near-Syncope Response

urgentPOTS / Dysautonomia

1At first sign of dizziness or tunnel vision, lie down immediately on the nearest safe surface.
2Elevate legs above heart level (prop against a wall or stack pillows under knees).
3If unable to lie down, sit and lower your head between your knees.
4Drink 16 oz of water with electrolytes (salt tabs, oral rehydration solution, or sports drink).
5Apply counter-pressure maneuvers: cross legs and squeeze thighs, or grip and tense arm muscles.
6Wait at least 10 minutes after symptoms resolve before slowly sitting up, then standing.
7Call 911 if loss of consciousness lasts more than 1 minute or injury occurred during fall.

Important: Do not try to 'push through' pre-syncope symptoms. Falls from fainting can cause serious head injuries.

Severe Fatigue Crisis

importantME/CFS Post-Exertional Malaise

1Stop all activity immediately. Do not attempt to finish tasks -- even small ones.
2Move to a dark, quiet room. Reduce all sensory stimulation (lights, sounds, screens).
3Lie flat in a comfortable position. Use eye mask and earplugs if available.
4Hydrate with electrolyte-rich fluids. Eat small, easily digestible meals if tolerated.
5Cancel or reschedule all obligations for the next 24-72 hours minimum.
6Do not attempt to exercise or 'walk it off' -- this worsens post-exertional malaise significantly.
7Contact your care team if symptoms include new fever, confusion, or chest pain.
8Resume activity only when baseline energy returns, and increase gradually (pacing protocol).

Important: Post-exertional malaise can be delayed 24-72 hours after overexertion. Track activity levels to identify triggers.

Tick Bite Response

urgentLyme Disease Prevention

1Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible.
2Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist, jerk, or crush the tick body.
3Do not use nail polish, petroleum jelly, heat, or other 'folk remedies' to detach the tick.
4Place the removed tick in a sealed bag or container with a damp cotton ball. Label with date and body location.
5Clean the bite area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
6Take a clear photograph of the tick (top and bottom) for species identification.
7Contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours. Prophylactic doxycycline may be appropriate.
8Monitor for symptoms for 30 days: expanding rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, joint pain.
9Consider sending the tick to a testing laboratory (check tickcheck.com or your state health department).

Important: Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease, but early treatment is critical. The classic bull's-eye rash appears in only 70-80% of cases.

Hospital Visit Checklist

Documents to Bring

Printed Medical ID card (from this page) with current medications and allergies
Complete medication list with dosages, frequencies, and prescribing physicians
Chronological diagnosis history with dates, diagnosing physicians, and key test results
Insurance cards (primary and secondary) plus photo ID
Advance directive or healthcare power of attorney documents if applicable
List of previous surgeries, hospitalizations, and adverse drug reactions
Recent lab results or imaging reports relevant to your conditions

Questions to Ask

How does this treatment interact with my existing conditions and medications?
What are the potential side effects, especially for patients with autonomic dysfunction?
When should I follow up, and with which specialist?
Are there alternative treatments if this one is contraindicated for my conditions?
What symptoms should prompt me to return to the ER?
Can you provide written discharge instructions I can share with my primary care team?

What to Tell ER Staff

Lead with your diagnoses and state that they are confirmed by specialists (name them).
Explain that invisible illnesses may not present with typical vital sign abnormalities.
Clarify which symptoms are your baseline versus what is new or worsening today.
Mention any specialist protocols you follow (e.g., IV saline for POTS flares).
Provide your specialist's contact information so ER staff can consult directly.
Ask that your conditions be documented in the chart even if they seem unrelated to the visit.

Advocacy Tips

Bring a trusted person as your advocate who can speak on your behalf if you are unable.
If your concerns are dismissed, calmly ask: 'Can you document in my chart that you are declining to test for this?'
Request a patient advocate from the hospital if you feel your care is inadequate.
You have the right to request a different physician or a second opinion.
Keep a written log of what was said, by whom, and at what time during your visit.
If you experience discrimination or neglect, file a formal complaint with the hospital's patient relations department.

Emergency Numbers

4 contacts

Save these numbers in your phone and share them with your emergency contacts. In a crisis, having the right number immediately accessible can make a critical difference.

Emergency Services

24/7

911

For life-threatening emergencies including anaphylaxis, loss of consciousness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe injuries.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

24/7

988

Free, confidential support for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text. Chronic illness can take a significant toll on mental health -- reaching out is a sign of strength.

Poison Control Center

24/7

1-800-222-1222

Expert guidance for poisoning emergencies, medication overdoses, adverse drug interactions, and accidental ingestions. Free and confidential.

CDC Information Line

Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET

1-800-232-4636

General health information, disease prevention guidance, vaccination questions, and referrals to local health departments and testing resources.

Explore Related Modules

Treatment Guide

Evidence-based treatment info

Provider Directory

Find specialists near you

Community Resources

Support orgs & financial aid

Symptom Screener

Clinical pre-screening tool

Data Sources (3)

American Heart Association (AHA). Emergency Preparedness Guidelines. 2024.
CDC. Emergency Planning and Response. 2024.
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Patient Resources for Emergency Care. 2024.

Last updated: August 2026. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7).