8 Numbers to Have On Speed Dial

I never thought too much about what numbers to have on speed dial (or favorites!) in case of an emergency, or to leave behind with the babysitter. Until about a year ago when we left the kids with my in-laws for a few days. Then I realized there were a few numbers that should be super-handy to dial to access the right health care quickly!!!

Last month I talked a little bit about how to get health care when your child gets sick on vacation. But I was thinking, an important safety step is to input these numbers into your phone beforehand! With these eight numbers to have on speed dial (or your favorites list), you’ll be able to access the Right Care at the Right Place for your family, no matter where you travel, or who is watching your kids!

8 Numbers to Have on Speed Dial

Your ICE people – In Case of Emergency

The ICE program started in 2005 as a result of paramedics realizing the need to know which numbers on your phone were your preferred emergency contacts. Simply rename your emergency contacts with ICE at the front of their name (ICE-dad, ICE-wife, etc). This way, if you’re unconscious, the rescue people can use your phone to contact someone. (This is also why I don’t use the lock feature on my phone!).

Poison Control Number

The American Association of Poison Control Centers is open 24/7. Here’s their number: 1 (800) 222-1222

Primary Care Doctor

For regular preventative and routine care, this is the right care!

NurseLine(TM)

When you just need to ask advice. This is perfect for questions you have when traveling, after hours questions, or if you need help finding a doctor or hospital. I’ve called for things like dosages for children’s medications.

Convenience Care Clinic

This is the Right Place for minor medical problems like cuts, strep throat, flue, earaches, and other things that aren’t pressing.

Urgent Care Center

Somewhere between Convenience Care Clinics and the ER. When your Primary Doctor isn’t available, this is the right place. Sprains and strains, minor broken bones (finger), and minor infections can be handled here.

Emergency Room

For serious and life-threatening conditions like heavy bleeding, chest pain, and major burns, get the right care here.

How to enter emergency numbers

Enter these important numbers with names easy to recognize by everyone, not abbreviations that will be confusing. Generally the titles I listed here work – I like to add ICE or Doctor in front of mine so they are all in the same area on my phone. In most phones, you can also add more detailed information like addresses and doctor names, and any other numbers associated with the location.

It’s so important for you and people watching your kids know how to get the Right Care at the Right Place. Here’s a handy infographic you can print and include in babysitter information with any notes you might want to add. This way, caregivers will know how to handle a medical situation – and who to call.

Learn more about where to find where to find health care

Be prepared for emergencies by entering those numbers on your speed dial. Then, take the monthly challenge to find out how much you know about health care from United Healthcare and enter to win big prizes!

In addition to being prepared with emergency contact information, stock up for all your home health needs at Target (or just get something fun!). United Healthcare is letting me offer this BONUS giveaway to you!

DOUBLE BONUS!! I’ve partnered up with two fellow bloggers to share important health care information. Each of the bloggers has written a helpful post AND is hosting their own blog giveaway as well. Enter my giveaway on this post, then hop over to read and enter on their posts too – daily! You’ll get entries EVERY day, EVERY time you visit them! ? 

• Elia from Conservamom
• Erinn from Parenting Healthy

Here’s how to enter THIS giveaway: 

1) Go to the United Healthcare website.

2) Click “Enter” on the Right Care, Right Place contest and complete the task. Be sure to use my unique promo code: HAPPYSTRONGHOME ***This promo code must be entered to be eligible to win MY giveaway so don’t forget!*** You can enter once per day! 

3) THEN: Come back here and fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter THIS giveaway!
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**Note: Winners may only win ONE UHC-sponsored blog giveaway per month (among all participating bloggers).

Sponsored by United Healthcare; I received compensation for sharing this message. All opinions are my own. I am not responsible for fulfilling giveaway prizes.