When I was recovering on crutches, the bathroom made me nervous in a way I never expected. It is a small room with slippery floors and hard edges. Even with good habits and careful balance, accidents can happen. What helped me feel less alone was having an Emergency Contact Card sitting right on my bathroom counter.
The goal is simple. If something goes wrong, you do not want to be scrolling through your phone with wet hands or trying to remember a number while you are shaky. You want one small card with every critical number written down and easy to reach.
Tip
Keep your phone nearby, but do not rely on it as your only plan. A printed card never slips or gets forgotten.
Why an Emergency Contact Card matters
You may never need it, and I hope you do not, but having the card creates a sense of calm. It turns “what if something happens” into “I have a plan.”
- You have every vital number in one place, no searching or guessing.
- If someone needs to help you, they can use the card instantly.
- You can hand the card to a caregiver or friend staying over.
- You reduce panic in moments that already feel overwhelming.
I once slipped just enough to scare myself. The bathroom mat caught me, but my heart was racing. Knowing the card was beside the sink calmed me faster than anything else.
What to include on your Emergency Contact Card
The printable version at pdf/emergency-contact-card.html has blank spaces for everything you need. Fill
them in by hand or type them before printing.
Primary emergency contact
The person who will pick up first and can get to you quickly.
- Name
- Phone number
- Relationship
Secondary contact
A backup in case your primary contact cannot answer.
- Name
- Phone number
- Relationship
Medical provider
Include the office number of your doctor, surgeon, or physical therapist.
- Clinic or provider name
- Phone number
Local urgent care or hospital
Clarity beats memory in an emergency.
- Facility name
- Address or cross streets
- Phone number
Neighbor or building contact
If you live in a shared building, list someone nearby who can check on you.
- Name
- Phone number
- Unit number (optional)
Where to place your Emergency Contact Card
Print it and keep it somewhere water safe and visible. Ideas:
- Slide it into a small zip top bag and place it on the counter.
- Tape it to the inside of a cabinet door.
- Laminate it and set it upright against the wall.
- Keep a second copy in your shower supplies basket.
The key: it should be within arm's reach without stretching, twisting, or balancing on one leg. Make it easy to grab in a stressful moment.
If someone else needs to help you
A printed contact card is helpful for anyone assisting you. Caregivers, friends, or neighbors can use it instantly without unlocking your phone.
It turns a chaotic moment into a simple one: look at the card, call the number, stay calm.
You are not being dramatic
Writing down phone numbers for a shower is not silly. It is smart. You are navigating small wet spaces on crutches, and you deserve every safety net available.
Think of the Emergency Contact Card as one more way of saying, “I am taking my safety seriously while my body heals.”
Print-friendly version
Use the template at pdf/emergency-contact-card.html. Print one copy for your bathroom and another for
your bedroom or kitchen.
- Primary emergency contact
- Secondary contact
- Doctor or medical provider
- Local urgent care or hospital
- Nearby neighbor or building contact
Fill in the numbers, laminate if possible, and keep it where you can reach it quickly.