"I know the routine, the medication times, who to call if things go wrong — it's all in my head, because I'm the one who's always there."
Most carers have never written this down. But what if you couldn't be there? A fall, a hospital admission, a family emergency somewhere else entirely — these things happen to carers too, and when they do, the person you look after still needs the same care, often within hours, not days.
The good news: putting a plan in place doesn't take long, and in most cases it's completely free. This guide walks you through the options, helps you pick the right one for your situation, and gives you a template to fill in today if you want to start right now.
The four ways to do this
There isn't one single national "carer's emergency card" — instead there are four different routes, and most carers have never heard of more than one of them. Here's the full picture:
| Option | Cost | What you get | Best if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carers UK's MyBackUp tool | Free | A guided online contingency plan you build yourself — no physical card | You want to start today and don't mind it being digital-only |
| Local council or carers' centre card scheme | Free | A physical card with a unique number, linked to a 24-hour phone line that holds your full plan | Your area runs one (many do — worth checking) |
| Message in a Bottle | Free | A form and a fridge sticker; paramedics, police and fire crews are trained to look for it | You want something that works anywhere in the UK, with no sign-up |
| Commercial cards (Carers Card UK, National Carers Card) | £8–£20 / 2 yrs | A physical ID card with a QR code linking to a digital plan, plus carer discounts | You also want proof-of-carer ID and discount access, not just the emergency function |
Which one should you actually do?
Here's a simple way to decide:
Check if your local council or carers' centre runs a card scheme
Search "[your area] carers emergency card" or ask your local carers' centre directly. These schemes are free, and because a real person answers the phone and already has your plan on file, they do the most in an actual emergency.
If your area has one, register
It's free, it takes one form, and it's the most complete option available. Nothing else on this list replaces it.
If your area doesn't have one, don't leave it blank
Use the free template below right now, or work through Carers UK's MyBackUp tool. Either takes about ten minutes.
Add Message in a Bottle as a free backstop
It costs nothing, takes five minutes, and means that even a paramedic who's never heard of your local scheme will know to check the fridge.
Only pay for a commercial card if you want the extras
The paid cards aren't "better" at the emergency function than the free options — their real value is the ID and discounts on top. Worth it if you want those; skippable if you just want the emergency plan itself.
What actually needs to be in a plan
Whichever route you take, a good plan covers the same ground. Make sure yours includes:
- 👤The full details of the person you care forName, address, date of birth.
- 💊MedicationWhat they take, the times, and where it's kept.
- 🩺Any ongoing medical conditions or treatment
- 📞Emergency contacts, in orderWho should be tried first, second, third.
- 🤝Any professional support already in placeA care agency, GP surgery, social worker.
- 📋Who else has a copy of this planFamily, friends, your GP.
📄 Get the template
We've put the above into a simple, fillable plan you can complete in about ten minutes.
Download the free Emergency Plan template →PDF — no sign-up needed. Print it, fill it in by hand, or complete it on screen. Nothing you enter is saved or sent to us.
A few things carers who've done this told us
- 🧲Keep it somewhere it'll actually be foundThe fridge door or a hallway noticeboard works better than a drawer.
- 🏥Tell your GP surgery it existsMany will add a note to the patient record.
- 👪Make sure your named emergency contacts know they're on the listAnd that they have a copy too.
- 🔄Review it every so oftenMedication and routines change — an out-of-date plan can cause more confusion than none at all.
Sources
- [1] Carers UK — Creating a contingency plan & MyBackUp
- [2] Lions Clubs — Message in a Bottle
- [3] GOV.UK — Caring for someone
- [4] NHS — Support and benefits for carers