We don't like to think about it, but any of us could get into an accident at any moment. So here, step by step, is what to do now to prepare:

Step 1: Put crucial medical information in wallet and glove box
How will the first responders know what medicines you're taking and what medicines you're allergic to? Write it all down on a medical information card.
(A downloadable form is included in this Crutchfield Dermatology newsletter.) Put the cards in your wallet and in your glove box, and in anything else, like an appointment book, you carry around with you.

Step 2: Put your "in case of emergency" numbers in cell phone
Emergency workers know to look for "ICE" in cell phones which stands for "In Case of Emergency." An "AA" will keep the number at the top of your contacts list. "AA ICE" or "AA Emergency info" or "ICE spouse," are all good ideas for cell phone entries.

Step 3: Appoint someone to make decisions for you
Who's going to make life-and-death decisions for you? Designate a specific person using a health care proxy form, also called a medical power of attorney or durable power of attorney. You should have in your files a financial power of attorney form. By conveying power of attorney, you give a specific person legal authority to make property, financial and other legal decisions for you in. If you have specific health care wishes you want your proxy to follow, you can spell them out in a living will. Legal requirements for living wills vary from state to state.

Step 4: Don't forget the HIPAA release form
Even though it's your own spouse or parent, or sibling who's sick, some hospitals won't release any medical information because of HIPAA privacy regulations. It can also be difficult to deal with insurance companies or doctors' offices on someone else's behalf without a HIPAA release form, she says.

Step 5: Give these forms to several people, and tell your family whom you've appointed to make decisions for you.
Let your family members know who has your medical power of attorney. Letting everyone know helps avoid hurt feelings later for the unselected.

This information is a summary of the CNN article If You Get Hit by a Bus Tomorrow.
See the full article here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/02/07/ep.if.i.die/index.html