Leaving in less than 2 weeks, Kids staying home. In case of an emergency...

[Codfish]

My parents are staying with the kids while we cruise. Is there anything we need to do so they have the authority to make medical and other emergency decisions while we are gone?

What will You be doing in
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I'll be on my First Cruise With The TRIUMPH'S CRUISIN KRAZY CARIBE CREW

[tinsel57]

When we took vacation with our children and brought their friends along, I gave their family a medical release form that had to be filled out and signed by both parents and notarized. It contained all the info necessary for the child. Name, address, DOB, parents's emergency contact and an alternate contact. Any known allergies listed, any meds being taken, date of last tetnus, doctor's name and phone number, insurance info, name of company id number, phone number and of course a statement which said this child is in the care of so and so during the period of such and such, in your absence you authorize all necessary medical treatment to preserve life and limb.

I use to work for youth sports and med releases were a part of everyday life for us. It really helps if anyone shows up at emergency with your child that they have a document showing it's all on the up and up, plus the info grandparents usually don't know like date of last tetnus or allergies or your doctor's name. It also doesn't hurt to call your physician and let them know the dates you'll be out of town and that children are in the care of your parents during that time frame. Just to alert them.

tinsel57

[christhree]

You can find basic medical release forms online free...I just typed my own, and both hubby and I went to the bank and had it notorized free...

Basically, what you want is something to this effect:

I XXXXX of (address}, and I xxxxx of {address}, Parents of the minor children X, Y, Z, of same {address} herby appoint and assign all rights concerning health, and safety for their well being to XXXXXXX, {address}, while we are unreachable during the dates XXXXXXXX..
This includes but is not limited to emergeny treatment.

Something to that effect. It's been 14 years since I left one and needed it, but they did require something when my son broke his arm, and I was house hunting. My poor mom, but she made it ok, son treated, and I flew home next morning. Cover all the bases is my motto....you just never know with kids...LOL

Have a great trip, and don't worry... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

On to VICTORY !!

~C

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[christhree]

also, Tinsel had a great idea with the mentioning of meds, allergies, shot records...I just copied those and left w/ mom...

On to VICTORY !!

~C

Victory 5/2004
Celebration 7/89
Triumph 6/2001
Victory 5/2002
Triumph 5/2003
Celebration 2/2004'Noro'SURVIVOR

[samscruiser]

Don't forget to leave a copy of insurance card too.

94 Fantasy - Bahamas
95 Fantasy - Bahamas
02 Inspiration - West Carrib
03 Sensation - Exotic West Carrib
04 Royal Princess - European Explorer

[tinsel57]

If you're leaving the kids with mom you can actually leave your card too, but it doens't hurt to make a copy before doing so! It's been so long since I've had to deal with this I forgot that part!

tinsel57

[ruttie]

Onthe advice of Brother in law who is an ER doc.. we have the standard letter above mentioned notorized .. but we also include a paragraph that says something like.... in the event that....(grandoaprents names) are unable to make such decisions please contact (add whomever you think can make snappy decesions) at (123) 123-1234. This is a must since he has seen numerous cases where accidents/fire etc.. happen and gaurdians are also injured this way they have a number of someone that you trust to make decisions and knows how to get in tuch with you. My mom keeps her note in her purse at all times and we have one on file at our local hospital.

[imatarb]

Does anyone know if it's necessary if my mom is the one keeping our five-year old? I figured since she's a blood relative, the letter might be unnecessary.

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours

[texas818]

Don't take any chances - I always leave the info with my mother and mil any time we are gone and they have the kids. Most ER folks are wonderful..but you never can tell when you will get a persnickty, letter of the law one! Technically, if they are not the child's legal guardian, they can't make the decisions without the paperwork. Better safe than sorry.

Wonder 09/2004
Celebration 04/2001

[ruttie]

grandparents must have letter also.. in cases of extreme emergency they will usually treat but if they break an arm need stitches etc.. run a fever it yor gonna have a hard time getting treatment... better safe than sorry...

[tinsel57]

In the eyes of the law your mother is not your child's legal guardian or does she have authority to act as such. Don't take the chance. It's a simple piece of paper you can use anyones form, hundres on line, just change what you need to and do not forget, even if your form does not say so, have it notarized.

tinsel57