Emergency Contact Card Program

The Turner Syndrome Foundation's Emergency Contact Card program allows for peace of mind. Patients and caregivers carry a medical identification card that provides information that can speak for them if ever there is a medical emergency. With an identification card in hand, a healthcare professional aware of this condition can direct care strategies and possibly save lives.

Order Emergency Contact Card

Critical Information You Must Know
There are several inherent risks associated with having Turner Syndrome including cardiac problems with the associated blood pressure issues, diabetes and kidney malformations. The Emergency Contact Card (ECC) can provide invaluable information to emergency responders. 

Individuals with Turner Syndrome are at a higher risk than the average population for possible life threatening cardiac events especially aortic dissection (a tear or rupture between layers of the aortic wall).  It is important for all women to know the signs of aortic dissection and what to do in the event that they may experience unexplained chest, back, or abdominal pain.


What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of an aortic dissection can be variable, relatively minor, and nonspecific. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but pain can also occur in the back/or abdomen. The pain may be described as severe or vague, constant or intermittent, migratory, tearing, tightness, or fullness.


What can you do?

1. Advocate for yourself by telling emergency department staff that you have Turner Syndrome and the increased risk of aortic dissection.
2. Communicate effectively with doctors and nurses in the emergency department.
3. Show them your emergency alert card. 
4. Emergency departments tend to be very busy and the knowledge about Turner Syndrome can vary.  Do not be shy about telling doctors and nurses what you know about your condition.
5. In an emergency pick up the telephone and dial 9-1-1.