Info to put on medical ID bracelet

I have a rare congenital heart condition and recently got my first pacemaker (right side). I have significantly distinct heart anatomy. In an emergency, it might be important for medical staff to be in communication with my ACHD team, which is located at one of the many local hospitals (I'm in a large city). Most cardiologists are not very familiar with my heart condition, and my ACHD team is specialized.

I'm ordering my first medical alert bracelet and am deciding what to put on it. My EP suggested that I don't need to put info about my hospital or ACHD team, because anyone can scan my pacemaker and get that info and a phone number. She suggested something like:

Congenital Heart Disease

Right Pacemaker

This wouldn't include the specific name of my condition or medical contact.

Is pacemaker brand required to be able to scan the pm for info? I have a Boston Scientific from March 2023.

TIA!

 

 

7 Comments

medical id

by Tracey_E - 2023-04-25 09:58:33

Any large hospital can scan all pacers. There aren't so many manufacturers that they can't handle all of them. I think you're safe to go with what your doctor suggested.

I have all of my medical info in my phone under the emergency contact section that any EMS can access- doctors, meds, allergies, surgical history. It's rare that I would be outside my home without my phone. I used to wear my medical alert religously but have not in a while. 

I also see an ACHD ep. I spent most of my adult life seeing a regular cardiologist, what a difference at the specialized clinic!

INFO

by docklock - 2023-04-25 10:56:24

From past postings on here that I've read and some responded to, I offer MY view.

Because you posted a question here, you are obviously concerned, so to my mind -- do whatever gives you peace of mind.  

I wear a Medic Alert bracelet - always have it on -- never take it off.  It gives me peace of mind. 

If I felt like adding a Dog Tag necklace to wear with additional info on it, I would do it.  If I felt like putting all my info into my phone, I would do that as well.

IN SHORT -- do what gives YOU peace of mind knowing you've done what you can to draw attention to your specific issue.  You can always drop some of the info later on if you wish. 

Like I said at the beginning, it's only my view. 

Id

by Lavender - 2023-04-25 21:09:06

We recently discussed this. Mine is a heart necklace with:

my name

pacemaker

my guy's phone number.

I wear it every time I leave the house.

I don't think it's helpful putting the pacemaker brand on it. I carry a wallet card with the pacemaker and leads' serial numbers. 

Medical ID bracelet

by AgentX86 - 2023-04-26 01:35:24

I have my main issues (pacemaker dependent and seizures), my critical medications (anticoagulant and anticonvulsive), my name, and my wife's phone number.  The first two are obvious.  I have my name on there because if the EMTs try to revive you, they want something that you can easily understand and react to.  My wife's phone number because, well, mine wouldn't do them much good. 😁

Emergency Services

by Penguin - 2023-04-26 08:26:25

In your position I'd have medical ID prominently displayed via a medical alert bracelet or similar and your PM card location written on it e.g. PM card is in my purse.  The card will state your heart condition, implanting surgeon, contacts etc. 

You've made me think actually. I have nothing except a PM card and hadn't really thought about EMS. I'd assumed they would look in my purse if I was unconscious or see the PM scar on my chest. 

EMS

by AgentX86 - 2023-04-26 13:39:29

Emergency medical treatment is what the medical alerts are for.  Once you've made it to the ER, there is usually time for things to progress normally. Name may still be needed to find records, though.

The EMTs may need the information to assess your symptoms immediately. The idea is to give them a quick clue to what they're looking at.  If you've had some problem before, until proven otherwise, they can stop looking for zebras and focus on the horse in the room.

Is it worthwhile, what information is needed?

by Selwyn - 2023-04-30 12:32:27

https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/anae.13958

- read this!

 

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

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