You've packed your swimsuit, sunscreen, sandals and snacks. Tickets to SeaWorld, hotel confirmation paperwork and MapQuest directions are safely tucked away in your bag. What have you forgotten for your summer vacation?

You forgot a bag or folder that contains important information about your health needs, according to Pam Turner, RN, Emergency Critical Care Center Manager for Valley Hospital Medical Center.

"We see a high number of tourists who require medical care," says Turner. "It makes an emergency room visit even more stressful when you can't find your health insurance cards or don't know the specific name or dosage of any medicine you or a family member is taking."

In addition to packing clothes, Turner says you should keep the following in a see-through plastic bag:

• Copy of your driver's license
• Proof of insurance and an insurance contact phone number
• Copy of your living will or advance directive
• List of medications and the dosage you are taking
• Information about any current or chronic illnesses
• Phone numbers (with area codes) of your family doctor, medical specialists and local pharmacy
• Phone numbers (with area codes) of relatives, family or friends who may be contacted in an emergency

Valley Hospital Medical Center opened its Emergency Critical Care Center (ECCC) in March 2004, expanding from 28 to 43 beds. Another 11 beds will open later this summer. Among the ECCC's special features are two major treatment rooms to provide life-saving care for patients with cardiac or respiratory distress; extra-large patient bays to better accommodate patient care and family visits; and new technology throughout the center.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106