Escope Vs MedicAlert

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 12:23 pm

Doing a Google search for medical ID I came across the Escopes which is a miniature microscope with a 25 line form inside in a microdot. Since I am Diabetic and OSA posessed, I wonder if anyone has one of the Escopes or has looked further than a search like I did?

Since the plastic version starts at $12.95 I'm seriously considering.
Various metal types go upward seriously from there.

Anyone?

TerryB

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 6:09 pm

I've ordered the plastic version. I'll update when I get it.

TerryB

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:32 am

I finally got the EScope medical pendant. It is a microdot of my medical and contact info inside a reader instant info. for the 911ers. Took a month to arrive, but all an EMS ever wanted to know about me right here right now.

TerryB

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:05 pm

I never heard of EScope, although it sounds interesting. My company for years has been Medic Alert. I like the ability to access my files on the computer so that I can update any medication changes immediately.

However, I wonder if any emergency personnel have had experience with this new information system? Is it widely accepted? Would the information truly be available to all of those who might need it?

I do know that Medic Alert is marketing a flash drive-type device with all your medical information to be carried as a keyring (at least, that is my take on it). I don't know that a keyring device would survive all the abuse that I put my keys through, so I have not bought it.

I would be interested to know how you like Escope! Best to you.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:34 pm

Medic Alert is marketing a memory stick with "programming" to fill in forms with your medical info. Only works on PC's with UCB port so far. You can get a memory stick for a lot less that will work on PC or MAC. Do your own medical history on your computer, scan in whatever you feel is essential. load it onto the memory stick, label it and figure out a way to alert emergency personnel to it's existence/where you keep it. Wear it like the iPod shuffle??? Come to think of it can't you store things besides music on the shuffle???
California has a Rescue Blue medical info system (don't know where else it's promoted) with medical info in tubes you can put in the glove compartment, a purse, backpack, velcro to kids car seats. One of the small memory sticks fits in the tube.

sleepylady · Post by **sleepylady** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 7:39 am

The one concern I would have if I used a "memory stick" is first if the EMT had the technology to pull the information up and second if the system didn't work. Memory sticks or USB keys as they are called can be defective.

I use a plain ole medical bracelet, though I only have my Penicillin Allergy and OSA. If I had more medical conditions I would more than likely go with Medic Alert or the Rescure Blue medical info system. Just my preference though.

Melinda

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:10 am

The good thing about the escope and memory stick is the abiliy to hold a lot of information. I've got contacts including PCP, medications inclding dosages, OSA, diabetes, etc.

These days, I think the odds are good that an EMT has a laptop very close at hand. Usually no farther than the truck supplying GPS location guidance.

I first saw the memory stick advertized for medial data shortly after buying the Escope on line.

Of course the little canisters with printer data stored in the fridge was a good plan too. There is a sticker I think which goes on the outside somewhere to alert the EMT to look.

TerryB

amykirouac · Post by **amykirouac** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:41 pm

I am new to this. I pick up my machine tomorrow. Why would anyone with OSA where a medic alert bracelet. My husband is an EMT and he said he has never seen one have that on it. Is this something that I should have?
Thank you,
Amy

laurel · Post by **laurel** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 3:46 pm

It's very good for people to know about your OSA in an emergency in case you require surgery because the person "knocking you out" would need to know this.

I mean, it's not good if you repeatedly stop breathing on the operating table and it helps if they know this will happen (or that they can head it off with use of a CPAP).

Breathing issues and other stuff relating to OSA might also be mistaken for other conditions or symptoms if they don't know about your OSA.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:30 pm

Yes I believe it is important. I am a nurse and have been an EMT.

BTW It's before and after anesthesia I worry about. It is something of a misnomer to call it obstructive SLEEP apnea as it is an obstruction that can can occur anytime you are unconscious from any cause; fall, car accident, etc. It can also occur when deeply relaxed though you would respond if that was the sole reason. If you were deeply relaxed from pain medication that could also be a dangerous situation. Hey I don't know everything about every condition there is. I do not know how aware EVERY nurse-doctor-EMT-xray tech-etc is..I go to sleep getting MRI's..so yes I'm going to wear my Medic alert, carry info in my car and on my person when traveling. I have designated a durable power of attorny for health care-that person has copies of my CPAP prescription and other relevant medical info to give in an emergency. Anytime I have any tests done I ask for copies to update my medical file. Saves time getting old records and has saved on return appointments.

The Medic Alert people were very aware of it when I ordered mine.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power, Prescription

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 6:01 pm

amykirouac wrote:Why would anyone with OSA where a medic alert bracelet. My husband is an EMT and he said he has never seen one have that on it. Is this something that I should have?

Yes, Amy, you need to know. Apnea patients require a different treatment regimen in recovery, otherwise the risk of death is very real. The problem is that under sedation after surgery, while no one is monitoring the patient, the apnea is likely to be much worse because of the anesthetic, and that comes at a time when the body cannot wake up sufficiently to overcome the apnea - hence, death can result. We discussed the subject some weeks back here:
viewtopic.php?t=7865

Here are some additional links on the subject:
http://www.thedoctors.com/risk/bulletins/sleepapnea.asp
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/content ... /107/2/367
http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/mayo.pdf

If you are having surgery, then you need to alert everybody, including hospital orderlies, that you need to be on CPAP when taken out of the operating room, and you need somebody there with you at all times, lest the medical professionals happen to overlook this for a few minutes.

Regards,
Bill

Darth Vader Look · Post by **Darth Vader Look** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 2:03 am

amykirouac, here is a link to a thread on the TAS board in regards to this medic alert bracelet. It speaks for itself.

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=15767

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