This multiple award winning health book is an invaluable guide to surviving a hospital stay. Given the frightening number of preventable hospital deaths caused by medical errors, you must have a family member or good friend to act as a proactive advocate to be by our side to prevent fatal medical errors. Most of us experience overwhelm, confusion and fear upon being admitted to a hospital. Learn how to prevent medical errors, medication mistakes, infectious diseases, how to reach doctors when you really need them, every time, how to establish relationships with the important medical professionals to maximize patient care, and how to navigate the hospital with confidence. Critical Conditions is based on over 150 interviews with doctors, nurses, hospital staff, family members. From the emergency room to discharge, this is your survival guide. Winner of 14 Book Awards. Los Angeles Times Magazine, Annie Gilbar, Editor in Chief "What are the chances you'll never have to be there for someone in the hospital? Zero. At some point you'll be called into life-and-death matters. Now, Martine Ehrenclou helps us all with Critical Conditions... Her concise guide includes a workbook to apply the rules to your own situation. It's a godsend!" Woman's Day, Abigail Cuffey. "You've heard the horror stories about medication mix-ups and exposure to serious infections. Martine Ehrenclou, author of Critical Conditions: The Essential Hospital Guide to Get Your Loved One Out Alive, tells you how not to become one of them." Family Circle, Jane Bianchi. "To be on the safe side, make sure you and those you care about follow the safety tips from Martine Ehrenclou's Critical Conditions." ForeWord Reviews, Whitney Hallberg. "Despite our best efforts, at some point, nearly everyone has to make a visit to the hospital. Critical Conditions by Martine Ehrenclou is an important book for family members of anyone who is in the hospital or who is seriously ill. Ehrenclou distills the information she gained into calming, practical advice." Midwest Book Review. "Critical Conditions" is a must for anyone who wants to be a boon to someone they care for instead of a bane. An especially appropriate addition to personal and community library Health/Medicine reference collections and supplemental reading lists." Readers Views, Carol Hoyer, PhD, "As a psychologist who teaches college courses to nurses, this is one of the most valuable books I have come across."