As Annabel Jarman’s pain became unbearable last winter, her brother took her to the hospital. The staff couldn’t figure out what she had so they sent her home with pain medication.

The next day Jarman a junior from Acworth, Ga., needed to go again, and her brother couldn’t be reached — it was up to Jarman’s roommates to get her the help she needed. Jarman said she was hyperventilating and only semi-coherent, not able to answer some of the most basic questions.

In an emergency all students should know a few things about their roommates to get them medical help.

Jarman said the help she received from her roommates was reassuring during a difficult time.

“It’s a comfort because being away from home your parents can’t take you and you can’t take yourself. It’s just good to know that your roommates are there, that they understand and are willing to help out.”

Jarman is one of many students with health conditions who requires the assistance of others.

In the know

Students need to be aware of a roommate’s past conditions if they have diabetes or conditions that cause seizures, said Kim Edelmayer, nurse manager at Community Care in Rexburg.

Students also need to have information available.

“Always have your insurance card on hand. If you are incoherent, that information is going to help [roommates],” said Brandon Ethridge, a sophomore from Gilbert, Ariz., whose roommates took him to the emergency room when he dislocated his shoulder last semester.

Many students don’t think they have an insurance card, but they do. Students with school insurance can bring their ID number to other care providers.

When students come to Community Care on Main Street in Rexburg, they are required to bring an insurance card and a driver’s license. The insurance card is the most common thing forgotten.

Medical history and allergies are important too. Edelmayer said she is surprised how many students don’t know if they are allergic to anything or if they have had any surgeries. She suggests students sit down with their own parents to discuss their medical history.

Medication information needs to be in an accessible place. Edelmayer said students should write down what medications they take regularly, what the dosage is and how often they take it. Students should carry that information in their wallet or purse.

If students must take a roommate to the hospital, they should bring the medications with them, Edelmayer said.

Edelmayer suggested showing roommates how to find the emergency contacts in your cell phone and who to call, so relatives who know more about the patient can be alerted and in contact with medical professionals.

Having a conversation

If a medical condition exists, it is the student’s responsibility to make information available, said Sharon Pirente, director of public relations at Madison Memorial Hospital. Students with severe conditions should wear medical ID bracelets.

Emergency responders look first for the ID bracelet, then in the wallet, Edelmayer said.

Edelmayer explained that most people don’t want to talk about their conditions, but close people, like coaches and roommates, should be aware.

Roommates can be a great help to those living with life-altering conditions.

“I’ve never had a roommate judge me,” Jarman said. “I don’t feel my best. It’s just something you have to deal with and live your life.”