Medical id necklace info

Medical ID Necklace

by GigiT - 2016-07-30 00:47:55

Hey Alastair!

Getting a medical ID would actually be worth it if, for example, you travel, or come into contact with strong metal detectors alot, it could help you avoid alot of trouble. My family and I just went out of the country for a week, and having my ID was really useful when we were going through immigration. I hope this helped!

I personally don't see the need .....

by Shaun - 2016-07-30 05:36:40

...... but if I did then it would contain only the minimal facts that I (a) have a pacemaker and (b) carry a pacemaker ID card. Cards are much easier to update than engraved jewellery.

But I love jewellery

by Alastair - 2016-07-30 06:59:22

I travel a lot for work and. Worry if I was unconscious etc. thank you

Road ID

by Kcambridge - 2016-07-30 11:09:05

Hi there! I am outside a lot without my wallet or phone. My sister is a nurse and she recommended Road ID. It's pretty minimalist - just a simple black band with an engraved steel plate with all of your info. They also make ones that fit into smart watch and Fitbit bands. https://www.roadid.com/

Medical ID can't hurt ...

by LondonAndy - 2016-07-30 12:21:35

... and as you say, it would provide information if unconscious.  I have several conditions, and am 100% paced, so I wear a MedicAlert bracelet.  This gives headline information, engraved on the rear, and a 24 hour/day emergency contact for more details, though you have to pay an annual subscription for that bit (currently £30 in the UK).

People discuss whether it is better to have a necklace or bracelet, and personally I have gone for the bracelet.  I have seen some research that suggests medics are more likely to notice the bracelet than something around the neck, but either seems sensible to me.  A female friend who had a different condition passed out in a supermarket, and despite carrying medical information in her handbag nobody looked at it, even in the hospital.  So I am wary of relying on card ID only.

ID

by Drake3287 - 2016-07-30 16:18:13

And here's something to think about. I've been in the EMS field for many years and although I certinly know what VT is, the term ICD was new to me. We always just referred to them as implanted defibulators. If I had come across a patient with a tag that simply said ICD, I would have been confused at first. Dont' simply put the letters ICD on it. Make sure it says the full name.

And just remember that in an emergency, almost the first thing that is done on a cardiac case is to bare the chest area. The tell tale sign of an ICD or PM will be obvious and treated as such.

Thank you

by Alastair - 2016-07-31 03:20:54

Interesting and useful comments 

Bracelet Recommended

by Artist - 2016-07-31 12:05:23

I was advised to get a bracelet, not a necklace.  Bracelets are easier to see and EMTs automatically check wrists.  I was told to avoid jewelry styles which are more likely to be overlooked.  I have a very comfortable but durable light weight bracelet that says pacemaker on the top and refers to a wallet card on the inside.  I put it on two years ago and have never taken it off.  That way I don't have to fuss with it and perhaps forget to put it on.  I totally forget about it and it gets washed when I take a shower.  

Medical alert bracelet

by clubhopper - 2016-08-01 11:40:48

Hey Alistair, I don't know where you live, but I got a medical bracelet from the following website. Lots of styles to choose from and you also receive a code that can be accessed by paramedics that will allow them to see a personal profile listing all your medical information and contact information that you enter in their website. The website is www.emergencyid.ca.

Lots of styles to choose from ?? Is this a good thing ??

by IAN MC - 2016-08-01 14:37:13

Hi Alastair

I would like to say at the outset that I see no need to wear any form of Medi Alert jewellry; I believe that the chances of benefiting from such things are absolutely minimal. I  am also  very happy to rely on the tell-tale bulge , the X-Rays in emergency situations and the carrying of a PM identification card.  Also you only need those if you are alone and unconscious.

But I do appreciate that other people feel differently.  For those people who do think differently , is it not crazy that there is a whole myriad of different designs available ? This must defeat the purpose of wearing them .

If such things are necessary I would have thought that this is a field which is crying out for standardisation. Doctors / nurses /  paramedics should recognise, at a glance , that the patient is carrying useful info. As it is,  the marketing men have taken over in providing a range of designs to make them look attractive rather than functional ; every ID bracelet could look different which must confuse the health professionals  This is just one of the reasons why I believe that they are not worth having !

Ian

ID

by Alma Annie - 2016-08-02 00:10:47

Definitely worth it.  It is not a doctor who scrapes you off the road after an accident, or picks up a silly person (me!)  who trips up a step and flings herself into a wall badly concussing her.  I am friends with a paramedic who says they always look for medical jewellery if a patient is unconscious.  Cards in bags or wallets are not always accesible and take longer to find than quickly looking at a wrist or neck.  This paramedic told me that I was doing the right thing wearing a bracelet. Mine just has the word 'pacemaker' engraved on it.

Alma Annie.