We all know, or should know, how important it is to be aware of all medications we are prescribed: names, doses, times a day taken.

Results of a study by the American College of Emergency Physicians, a national medical society headquartered in Washington, show, however, that people admitted to hospitals after a trauma either didn't have this information, know where to get it, or ended up with prescriptions that were wrong.

The researchers studied 234 trauma patients in a rural setting, the majority of whom were moderately injured. We can assume, then, that they weren't unconscious, but certainly shaken up.

Still, medication lists given to staff were inaccurate 85 percent of the time.

Ten patients were ordered wrong medications as a result, and one adverse drug event (hypoglycemia, low blood sugar) occurred.

The reasons the lists were incomplete included poorly informed or forgetful patients or accompanying family members, patients taking medications from pharmacies that would not divulge patient information, and patients with multiple doctors outside the hospital who did not know what the others were prescribing, the report says.

Though this was a small sample — fewer than 300 people — the results are staggering.

It can be assumed that conditions are hectic when a person is admitted to a hospital after an accident or other traumatic event, and some of the confusion might be written off to that.

But pharmacies that can't or won't share information, and doctors poorly informed about a patient's complete medical history? Well, we could blame the pharmacies and the doctors. And to some degree we should.

But patients are notorious for not informing doctors about all medications they are taking, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs, and being ignorant of what their doctors have given them.

The first rule of thumb for any patient is to be an advocate and read, read, read, all the information about any drug he or she is taking. And remember, of course, what drug or drugs you are on.

ACEP, and other medical professionals, back the development of an electronic record-keeping system to ensure this information is always available.

"Until we have an accurate and secure electronic medical records system, people can help themselves three ways," ACEP advises: "Carry with you at all times a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, as well as your pharmacist's contact information.

"Have a single pharmacist who knows all medications you are currently taking, and, if you see multiple physicians, make sure they all know all medications you are taking, and designate one — probably your primary care physician — who will keep your complete medical record."

This is an ideal, of course, but think of it like carrying your driver's license or other identification. Because if you are unable to tell emergency personnel what drugs you are on, your list should be able to give them a heads-up. That can prevent you from being given something harmful when you least need that to happen.