Emergency Preparedness: What Every Patient Needs

An Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency. Being prepared can save your life. **What you need:** 1. **Emergency hydrocortisone injection** – Keep a kit at home, at work, and when traveling. Know how to use it (or have someone trained). 2. **Medical emergency card** – Create yours for free on this site. Keep it in your wallet and show it to ambulance crew or emergency responders. 3. **Medical alert jewelry** – A bracelet or necklace stating "Addison's disease - requires hydrocortisone" helps first responders. **When to inject:** If you cannot keep oral medication down (vomiting), feel severely weak, confused, or are collapsing—inject immediately, then call 112. **Travel tips:** Carry extra medication. Bring a letter from your doctor. Research healthcare at your destination. Never pack your emergency injection in checked luggage. **Stress dosing:** Double or triple your oral hydrocortisone during fever, infection, or significant stress. Your doctor will advise on exact amounts. When in doubt, take extra and call for guidance.