Yes, it's already that time:

Time to start preparing for back-to-school.

But beyond pencils, notebooks and maybe a new backpack, emergency physicians are urging parents to prepare for potential medical emergencies to ensure a safe school year for their children.

&#8220Being prepared is key for so many things, and this goes for medical emergencies as well,” said Dr. Frederick Blum, President of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

&#8220Your child is in a much better position to receive prompt medical attention if emergency personnel do not have to take time to get parental consent, track down medical records or investigate immunization histories.”

n Complete a consent-to-treat form, and give copies to the school or day care provider for them to keep in your child's record and to take with them if your child goes to the emergency department.

It's also a good idea to give copies to family members, friends, or babysitters who may care for your child. Your child will always receive lifesaving care in an emergency room, but the form

gives a physician permission to treat your child for less serious medical problems when he or she is in someone else's care.

Caregivers should make sure to bring the form with them if they take your child to an emergency department.

n Organize your child's medical history records and update emergency medical contact information.

Provide a copy of this information to your child's school or daycare provider with instructions to take it with them to the emergency department if your child is sick or injured.

Phone numbers change often: make sure your child's records include updated emergency contact information.

n Review and do a dry run of your child's route to school, explaining potential hazards along the way. This is a great time to discuss safety rules for going to and from school.

n Make sure your children know how to use the telephone for help.

Post emergency contact numbers by every telephone in your home.

Have them practice reciting the information they will be asked for if they call 911: name, address, and a description of the problem.

n Develop a family emergency plan in case something happens on the way to, or while attending, school.

n Be aware of any emergency plans and evacuation plans your children's schools may have established.