How to prepare a pocket health card for emergency situations?

Pocket Health Card

What is a Pocket Health Card?

A Pocket Health Card is a small card (like an ATM card or Aadhaar card) that has your important health information. If something bad happens — like an accident or if you faint — and you cannot talk, this card helps doctors, nurses, or people around you know how to help you quickly.

Why is it Important?

Because:
  • Doctors can know your health problems fast.
  • They can give you the right treatment.
  • It can save your life in an emergency.
  • It helps if you are alone or far from family.

What Size Should the Card Be?

  • Same size as PAN card / Aadhaar card
    (Credit card size: 8.6 cm × 5.4 cm)
Pocket Health Card
  • You can keep it in:
  • Your wallet
  • Your purse
  • Your phone cover pocket

What to Write on the Pocket Health Card?

Here’s a list. You can write these things one by one:

1. Your Basic Details

Info Example
Full Name Ravi Sharma
Date of Birth 15-08-1995
Age 30
Gender Male
Blood Group B+

2. Emergency Contact

This is the person who should be called if something happens to you.
Info Example
Name Sita Sharma
Relationship Mother
Phone Number 9876543210
Write 2 phone numbers if possible.

3. Your Health Problems

Write any health problems you have:
Problem Example
Diabetes Yes
Asthma Yes
High BP (Blood Pressure) No
Heart Problem No

4. Allergies (if any)

Allergy Example
Medicine Allergy Penicillin
Food Allergy Nuts
If you don’t have allergies, write “No allergy”.

5. Medicines You Take Daily

Medicine Name Why You Take It
Metformin For Diabetes
Inhaler For Asthma

6. Any Surgery or Implant (if done in past)

Surgery Year Any device inside body?
Appendix removed 2020 No
Pacemaker 2023 Yes

7. Insurance Details (Optional)

If you have health insurance:
Info Example
Insurance Company Star Health
Policy Number SH123456789
Helpline No. 1800-123-456

8. Doctor Contact (Optional)

Info Example
Name Dr. Amit Kumar
Phone 9123456789

9. Language You Speak

Info Example
Preferred Language Hindi / English
This helps doctors talk to you in your language.

How to Make the Card?

Method 1: Make by Hand (Paper Card)
  1. Take a small white paper (card size).
  2. Write all the above details with a pen.
  3. Use neat handwriting.
  4. Put your passport-size photo.
  5. Laminate it or keep in a plastic cardholder.
Method 2: Make on Computer (Better Option)
  1. Open Microsoft Word or go to Canva.com.
  2. Choose a small card layout (or set size to 8.6 cm × 5.4 cm).
  3. Type all the details (neatly).
  4. Add your photo (optional).
  5. Add a small red cross (🟥➕) to show it’s a health card.
  6. Print on thick paper or photo paper.
  7. Laminated it.
Method 3: Use Govt Health ID
  1. Go to: healthid.abdm.gov.in
  2. Create your ABHA Health Card.
  3. Download and print it.
  4. You can cut it small and keep it in your wallet.

Extra Tip: Add QR Code (Optional)

You can add a QR Code that links to your digital health file (saved in Google Drive or phone). Use a free QR Code generator and link your document:
QR Generator
Doctors can scan and read full health history.

Where to Keep the Health Card?

  • Inside your wallet or purse
  • In your phone back cover
  • Stick it on your bike, car dashboard
  • Keep one extra copy at home

Update the Card Regularly

If your:
  • Medicines change
  • Health problems change
  • Phone number changes
Make a new card or update old one.

BONUS TIP for Phone Users (Android)

Add emergency info on phone lock screen:
  • Go to Phone Settings
  • Tap “About Phone” → “Emergency Information
  • Add name, contact, blood group, and health issues
In an emergency, people can see this without unlocking your phone.
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