What to Bring to an Emergency Visit: A Checklist for Jordan
Bring your ID or passport, a list of your medicines and allergies, and your phone. Don't delay leaving or calling 911 to gather anything else.
If you can, also bring the medicine boxes themselves, any recent test results, and a person who can help you. For a child, bring their medicines and vaccination record.
Key takeaways
- Never delay an emergency to pack: if it's life-threatening, call 911 now.
- The essentials are ID or passport, a medicines and allergies list, and your phone with a charger.
- The medicine boxes themselves are better than a memory of the names.
- Travellers should add their insurer's emergency assistance number.
- Leave valuables at home and bring one calm companion.
In an emergency you are unlikely to feel organised, and that's fine. A short list helps the team treat you safely and quickly, especially for medicines and allergies, which matter in every assessment. If it is life-threatening, skip the list and call 911: see ambulance or drive yourself?.
What are the essentials?
- ID or passport, or residence card for expats and visitors.
- A medicines list, or the boxes: name, dose and how often, including supplements and inhalers.
- Allergies, especially to medicines, latex and foods.
- Your phone and charger, with the number of a family member.
- Medical papers: recent test results, a discharge letter or a doctor's note if you have them.
- Glasses, hearing aids or dentures if you use them.
What should travellers add?
Your travel insurance policy details and your insurer's emergency assistance number. Many insurers ask to be told early. Our tourist and expat guide has more.
What about a child?
Bring the child's medicines, the vaccination record if you have it, the name of the medicine and the time of the last dose of any paracetamol or ibuprofen you gave, and a comfort toy. Read child emergencies at night too.
If a child swallowed something, bring the packet or bottle. See swallowed battery, magnet or coin.
What should you leave at home?
Jewellery and large amounts of cash. Do not bring food or drink if you may need tests or treatment, and don't take extra medicine before you are seen unless a doctor has told you to.
Checklist by situation
| Situation | What it looks like | When it happens | Best option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult with a chronic illness | Takes regular tablets or insulin | Any visit | Medicine boxes, recent results, allergy list |
| Tourist or expat | Not carrying local records | Any visit | Passport or residence card, insurer assistance number |
| Child | Fever, vomiting or injury | Night or day | Medicines and dose times, vaccination record |
| Life-threatening emergency | Chest pain, stroke signs, heavy bleeding | Any time | Bring nothing: call 911 |
When should you skip the checklist and call 911?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Chest pain or pressure with sweating or breathlessness.
- Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech.
- Severe difficulty breathing or blue lips.
- Heavy bleeding that won't stop.
- A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or unconsciousness.
- Swelling of the face or throat after food, a sting or medicine.
- A serious injury.
See a doctor the same day if:
- You are on blood thinners and have had a fall or a cut.
- You have a long-term condition and feel suddenly worse.
- A child is unwell and you are unsure of the doses given.
Usually fine at home if:
- It is a minor problem and you can take your time to collect papers.
- Someone else can bring documents later.
- You are only asking for advice: ring +962 79 247 1313.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Ready to come in, or unsure?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
- MedlinePlus — Emergency medical services
- NHS — When to go to A&E
- WHO — Emergency care
- Jordan Government Portal — Essential contact numbers
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.