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Preparing for an Emergency

Published on 31 August 2021 12:40 PM

There's lots we can all do to prepare for an emergency - putting in place some basic plans and starting conversations with those that are close to us. From something as simple as letting people know where our spare keys are, to putting together an NHS Advance Care Plan or learning some basic first aid techniques. All of these things can save a lot of stress and heartache.

We have some online workshops coming up towards the end of September and in October. This includes a First Aid Course delivered by the Red Cross and simple, straightforward advice sessions from our Future Matters team.

  1. Learning Some First Aid Basics

Did you know that most of the time when first aid is needed, the person who potentially requires help will be a friend or family member?

Our First Aid Workshops, run by the British Red Cross have always been extremely popular. Help yourself and others by learning some skills that could give you the confidence to cope in a crisis.

The workshop is designed to build upon your existing knowledge and instincts and will give you more confidence to help when it’s needed. The sessions are tailored to cover the skills that could help the most when looking after older people – helping with heart attacks, strokes, head injuries and unresponsiveness.

To book: To book a place on our next online British Red Cross First Aid course (Monday, 20 September 2021 from 10am-12pm), please email info@islingtoncarershub.org and we’ll send you a zoom link.

  1. Having the Contact Numbers You Need to Hand

It’s always helpful to have a list of friends or neighbours that can help in an emergency, together with their phone numbers.

For medical emergencies, call 999. If it’s urgent, but not an emergency, then call the NHS – 111 phone number or see the NHS online 111 website. It’s a good idea to call ‘111’ before thinking about going to a local Accident & Emergency department.

In addition to your GP’s contact details, it’s helpful to know where your out of hours pharmacies are and their contact details, as well as the local Walk-in Centres.

  1. Putting in Place a Will & a Lasting Power of Attorney

Most people know that its useful to have a Will, but it’s also really important to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. An LPA gives you peace of mind that someone who trust is in charge of your affairs. Many people wrongly think that you don’t need a Lasting Power of Attorney to act on behalf of a spouse or that you need to have lots of cash to make it relevant.

There are two types of LPA – one for health and welfare and the other for property and financial affairs. The one for property is equally important whether selling a mansion, paying utility bills or contacting a housing association.  The health LPA will give your attorney the ability to make decisions about your care needs or life-sustaining treatment if you’re unable to make your own decisions.

Find out more: Come along to our Future Matters Workshop to find out more, including the follow-on free support that’s available from the friendly & knowledgeable Future Matters team.

Tuesday 19 October 14:00 – 15:30hrs Wills & LPA Event

Starting conversations about anything to do with 'end of life' is always difficult.  To help you prepare why not book to take part in our next quarterly Death Cafe?  Don't be put off by the name!  It is an informal gathering to discuss end of life in an open, friendly and non-judgemental way.  An interesting discussion can always be guaranteed.

Monday 18 October 12:00 - 13:30hrs Death Cafe

  1. Making a Plan to Help in a Medical Emergency

Anyone of any age can put together a MyCMC Plan. This is a plan which could be invaluable in a medical emergency. It captures practical details, such as who has a spare set of keys, through to details of the care you’d like to receive, e.g. would you prefer to be cared for at home, or in hospital? Are there treatments you would rather avoid?

Having a plan means that Paramedics and Emergency Services know your wishes. This gives the medics the information they need and avoids friends or family members having to make ill informed, rushed decisions in the event of an emergency. Once you’ve completed your plan, your GP will go through it with you and check that you’re happy with it.

Find out more: Come along to our Future Matters Workshop to find out more, including the follow-on free support that’s available from the friendly & knowledgeable Future Matters team.

Thursday 28 October 14:00 – 15:15hrs Advance Care Planning

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-matters-advance-care-planning-workshop-tickets-166669030557

  1. Protecting Your Home

Did you know that you can arrange for a free check of your smoke alarms or have some fitted, by the London Fire Brigade?  Other things that it’s worth checking, are that you have the necessary contents and buildings insurance in place, with sufficient financial cover. 

It’s always useful to know where your mains gas, water and electrical in-takes are, how to shut them off and reset the trip switch for the electrics.  If you’re not sure how to find these, there are some useful guides available for your water supply, for your gas supply and your electrics.

Age UK Islington Helpline

Make sure you have the Age UK Islington helpline (Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm) number to hand (for non-emergency support) – 020 7281 6018.  

For any queries about the Future Matters workshops, please get in touch with Judith King – jking@ageukislington.org.uk.