Carers Emergency Contact Card Scheme

The Carers Emergency Contact Card would benefit carers in an emergency situation if they were unable to make arrangements for the person they care for to be looked after because of an accident or sudden illness, for instance, while they were away from home. The card should be carried by carers at all times outside the home.

There would be no personal information on the card, but an emergency telephone number and a number allocated to each carer which would be linked with the carer's personal details, held by the British Red Cross. The emergency telephone number would allow a responsible person, for instance a nurse, to contact the British Red Cross who provide 24 hour, 7 days a week service.

The British Red Cross would hold details of carers on the Register who had chosen to become involved in the Carers Emergency Contact Scheme. These details would be obtained from the application form and would include details of the name and address of the carer, the name and address of the person they are caring for, any specific information about the person being cared for, for instance medication and who to contact in an emergency to make arrangements for the person who is being cared for.

If there is no other person who can be contacted to provide care, the British Red Cross will make some provision.

If you are interested in the Carers Emergency Contact Card scheme, you can obtain application forms and The Carers Register forms by telephoning The Carer Development Team, on 0191 374 0525, or contact Social Care Direct.

You can also complete the Carers Register Questionnaire online.