Written by Samuel Red
A medical alert bracelet, also known as a Medical ID, can save a life. People, who suffer a range of health conditions, allergies and illnesses, or those who use chronic medications, are advised to wear a medical alert bracelet. The patient’s emergency contact information is engraved on the Medical ID. Other information such as blood type, health insurance company, doctor’s name, and family contacts, can also be accessed via the Medical ID.
Take this hypothetical scene. A paramedic arrives at the scene of an accident, and one of the victims is wearing a medical alert bracelet, while the other is not. The paramedic has to work fast, he has to quickly assess the victim’s condition and start treatment using defibrillators, traction splints and IV drips, administer drugs and oxygen. He looks at the medical alert bracelet on the wrist of the first victim and instantly sees that this person uses blood-thinning medication. He will need to make some adjustments to the dosage of one of the drugs he plans to administer to this patient. There is also a contact number engraved on the back of the medical alert bracelets . He gets his assistant to call the number, and within 15 minutes, members of the victim’s family have arrived on the scene and all is under control.
The other victim is lying in a pool of blood. They stabilize his condition, but cannot find any form of identification on him. They have absolutely no information about this person. For all the paramedic knows, this person could have a rare blood disease or blood disorder. They will have to wait until he regains consciousness to find out more information. In the case of the first victim, the medical alert bracelet probably saved his life as he was transported to a hospital for treatment within the ‘golden hour’. The medical profession refers to ‘the golden hour’ as the time in which the life of a critically injured patient can be saved if the patient receives surgical attention. Paramedics know only too well about the ‘golden hour’ and that a medical alert bracelet can save a life.
Who should wear a medical alert bracelet? Anyone suffering with any of the following conditions, or using some of the following medications, are strongly advised to wear a medical alert bracelet: Allergies to food, drugs or insects, allergies to medical items such as latex and X-ray dye, alcoholism, cataracts, heart problems, respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, emphysema), diabetes, implants, glaucoma, kidney failure, blood disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, Tourette’s Syndrome, laryngectomy, leukemia, situs inversus, malignant hyperthermia, lupus, anemia, hypertension, cancer, mental disorder, deaf, dumb, blind, epilepsy or other seizures, morphine, codeine, antihistamines, decongestants, chemotherapy drugs, steroids, blood thinners or anticoagulants.
Details of medications being taken by a patient can be easily obtained in an emergency by dialling the telephone number on the back of the medical alert bracelet. The bracelet will have been engraved with the patient’s code number. When you receive your medical alert bracelet, put it on and do not ever take it off. The bracelets are made of durable materials. Do not even take it off to shower, bath or swim.
Other personal information can also be linked to your medical alert’s data base, e.g. if you are an organ donor , what your faith is, if you have a living will, if you wear contact lenses, as well as names and contact details of your next of kin. It’s a good idea to have your first name engraved on the bracelet. This is very important in the event of a paramedic attending to you, as he will call your name repeatedly to get your attention if you are dazed or disorientated.
Bracelets are not the only type of medical alert jewelry. These days medical alert wearers can choose from hundreds of fashionable and attractive medical alert items. These include bracelets, necklaces, watches, dog tags, stretch bands and sports bands. A watch is not only attractive, but also serves as a functional medical alert item. All watches for this purpose are fueled by light so they never stop. And don’t worry, the watch-faces carry appropriate logos that make them easily recognisable as medical alert items. Medic alert items also come in designer gold and silver bracelets and necklaces.
You can make your purchase online. Just ask your search engine to find ‘medic alert jewelry’. The choice is amazing, and the prices for basic products, such as the typical silver bracelet, are very reasonable. When you purchase online you will be required to provide certain medical information and make your engraving selection. You can pay for your online purchase with the usual major credit or debit cards. There can be no doubt that medical alert bracelets have played a big role in saving many lives by facilitating the easy access to information about a patient in an emergency.