What to do if…
several close family members are seriously injured in the same incident

What to do now

1. Reach the earliest safe pause. Follow instructions from 911 call-takers, police, firefighters, paramedics, hospital staff, or other responders. Call 911 if emergency assistance is still needed.

2. Make one written list of every injured family member. Record their full name, date of birth if known, where they may have been taken, and whether each detail is confirmed or unconfirmed.

3. Ask the lead emergency agency whether there is an official family information, reunification, or assistance point for the incident. Use that route rather than traveling between possible locations without confirmed information.

4. Contact each hospital through its official main number. Give the person’s full name and ask whether staff can confirm that the person is there, what information can be shared, and which department or staff member should receive future calls.

5. Ask whether a family liaison, social worker, chaplain, patient representative, or similar support person is available. Explain that several close family members were injured in the same incident and may be at different hospitals.

6. Choose one calm family coordinator and one backup. Have relatives send confirmed information to them instead of creating several competing call chains or message groups.

7. Ask how medical updates will be handled. If an injured person can communicate, they can tell staff who may receive information. If they cannot communicate, privacy rules may still allow limited relevant information to be shared, but the hospital decides what it can disclose.

8. Give clinical staff urgent information you genuinely know, such as the person’s identity, allergies, medications, medical conditions, communication needs, or the details of someone authorized to make health care decisions. Say clearly when you are unsure rather than guessing.

9. Arrange safe transportation before going to a hospital. Ask a steady person to drive or use another safe option. Take identification, essential medication, a phone charger, water, and the written information list.

10. Arrange immediate care for children, dependent adults, and pets left without support. Record who is caring for them and where they are staying.

11. Send one brief update to close relatives stating only what is confirmed, what remains unknown, who is coordinating information, and when another update may be possible.

12. Ask one trusted person to remain with you or handle practical calls. If relatives are missing after a disaster or large emergency, check whether the American Red Cross can assist with locating or reconnecting family members.

13. Call or text 988 if the distress feels unmanageable, you cannot stay safe, or you need immediate emotional support. If the incident was a natural or human-caused disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline also provides crisis support.