Wrist Bracelet or Neck chain pendant

[dos coyotes]

Thanks for that bracelet link JBF --- I searched everywhere yesterday and had very difficult time finding any that would fit a "large" wrist. I finally found one that comes with up to a 10" chain and bought it ---but like you say, it's metal so I may grab one like yours as a backup or option.

Now if I can just find a truly Mac compatible USB dogtag. Failing that, the problem I've found with ALL the dogtags is the names of all my medications are 10-15 letters long -- too long to put two to a line of dog tag engraving (limited to 25 characters) and too few lines (all seem limited to 5 lines) and I need 7!

[Kiralynx]

I was given an information packet after my sleep study and after being diagnosed with sleep apnea. It was indicated that I should either have and ID card (which was furnished) or a wrist bracelet or a pendant for a neck chain indicating that I have sleep apnea if I should become unconscious because of an accident or another health trauma. Is there a source for these type of products?

I use Medic Alert. http://www.medicalert.org.

I have a small bracelet with the 800 number to call, my membership ID, and "Sleep Apnea / Multi Food Allergies". On line, I have a list of all my medications and/or vitamins, all my food allergies, the machine I use (BiPAP ASV) and the pressures. I can update this at any time via the web or the phone.

[JohnBFisher]

... Now if I can just find a truly Mac compatible USB dogtag. Failing that, the problem I've found with ALL the dogtags is the names of all my medications are 10-15 letters long -- too long to put two to a line of dog tag engraving (limited to 25 characters) and too few lines (all seem limited to 5 lines) and I need 7! ...

The advantage of the MedicAlert program is that you can change your medication information as needed. Plus they have a list of most medications from which you can choose. Then the emergency personnel call an 800 number (or call collect if outside of the USA). The MedicAlert operators can then provide the medical information, including your medications.

[dos coyotes]

I've seen online programs like that JBF and Kiralynx but I'm wondering if EMTs, etc are going to through all that - calling, using a PIN, etc.? Likewise, I've heard some hospitals won't use your USB device for fear it will corrupt their computers?

Anyone with real life experience on either?

That's why I thought I'd search for a dogtag(s) where I could at least have one with my ID, ICE phone contact, and Dr's name/phone and then a second one with my meds listed, but I'm still searching...problem is beyond OSA I'm diabetic and have high blood pressure and take multiple meds for those conditions, thus not enough room on the tags --- unless i want to sound like a reindeer when I walk.

[JohnBFisher]

... problem is beyond OSA I'm diabetic and have high blood pressure and take multiple meds for those conditions ...

I like the reindeer analogy!

I have very similar issues. I have the following conditions listed on my MedicAlert bracelet:

• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Hypertension
• Sleep Apnea
• Ataxia

The MedicAlert staff recommended this order, as it would trigger certain actions on the part of an EMT response team.

You are correct that most EMTs will not call the MedicAlert number. But the emergency room staff will. Instead, the EMTs have been trained to follow the ABCs of First Aid. That stands for:

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

They will be certain that your airway is clear. They will be certain you are breathing, and finally they will be certain you have a good pulse (and thus circulation). Thus, if they see you are laboring to breathe they have been trained to intervene, possibly inserting "breathing tube" if needed. So, most EMTs will naturally deal with the airway. However, by listing Sleep Apnea as a condition they should know to be more alert to breathing difficulties.

By listing the condition, the EMTs will tend to intervene as needed.

For example, by listing Diabetes, the EMTs will know to check my blood glucose levels. If it is too low, they will administer orange juice or the like (if I am still able to swallow). If it is too high, they will administer insulin to reduce my blood glucose levels. By listing Kidney Disease they will know to check blood pressure and heart rate. And so on.

Once stable and in the emergency room, the emergency room staff can then get detailed information from MedicAlert. They would need to know my medications and other key information.

Hope that helps explain how a MedicAlert (or similar) device helps in emergency situations.

[Kimel]

At least some EMTs will call Medic-Alert. My unit does. They also now have an app they can download patient history based on the bracelet code instead of calling. You have to be licensed and register to get the app. I'm going through that process right now.

CPAP is also becoming more common in EMS and more ambulances are carrying it (not approved in my county, yet). The benefits of CPAP are becoming more recognized in emergent situations. Thus, if I had CPAP on board and saw you had apnea I'd be hooking you up if I had not already done so.

Also, ABC has been changed by AHA to CAB...but that's a whole other post.

[jencat824]

I was considering a tattoo on my abdomen (I'll never wear a 2pc bathing suit again in this life!), my tattoo was to be a DNR, but if I'm found breathing, perhaps it would be good to include some of my other diagnosis. EMT's would this be helpful?

Jen

[dos coyotes]

I saw a video clip on one of the medical jewelry sites I've checked and it was from the show Doctors. They dismissed tatoos because they said most EMTs/ERs etc would be uncertain if the tatoo was a serious medic alert or a joke or possibly had some other meaning.

Thanks for the info JBF. My plan was to have one tag with ID, conditions - Diabetes, High BP, OSA and a second one to list meds but I'm having trouble, as noted, finding tags with enough room for all the meds. One company suggests abbreviating the meds, so I looked up a few and wonder if one of the EMTs that read this forum would tell me if they would know what the following were...

ISMN or ISMO?
LVT?
MT?
MEL?

I don't mind abbreviating, so long as the abbreviations would be readily recognizable to EMT/ER staff...

[Kimel]

In my region a DNR tattoo would not be useful. There is a LOT of disinformation out there about DNR. http://Www.polst.org has some useful guidance and if you live in a state that recognizes POLST and are to thy point in life get one. Make sure it is filled out properly and signed.

BTW...fairly standard practice is to look for DND/POLST and med lists on the refrigerator door.

[zoocrewphoto]

I don't know if these would work, but I found dog tags that hold a photo on the front and can be engraved on the back. You could print a list of Meds and laminate it. The tag has a rubber seal to hold the photo in. It could be changed out easily.

[Drowsy Dancer]

... Now if I can just find a truly Mac compatible USB dogtag. Failing that, the problem I've found with ALL the dogtags is the names of all my medications are 10-15 letters long -- too long to put two to a line of dog tag engraving (limited to 25 characters) and too few lines (all seem limited to 5 lines) and I need 7! ...

The advantage of the MedicAlert program is that you can change your medication information as needed. Plus they have a list of most medications from which you can choose. Then the emergency personnel call an 800 number (or call collect if outside of the USA). The MedicAlert operators can then provide the medical information, including your medications.

I've just spent some time perusing the MedicAlert website. It looks to me like their services are probably best suited for someone with multiple medical conditions and medications. I suspect that for a person whose OSA is their most notable medical condition, MedicAlert might be overkill and a simple necklace with a caduceus would be enough, but it's really handy to know about the various options.

Also--this is a little gruesome, but it makes sense: a medical ID is probably a good place to note that one is an organ donor.

[Kiralynx]

I've seen online programs like that JBF and Kiralynx but I'm wondering if EMTs, etc are going to through all that - calling, using a PIN, etc.? Likewise, I've heard some hospitals won't use your USB device for fear it will corrupt their computers? Anyone with real life experience on either?

Yup. Bought it for my Dad. When he landed in the hospital, we were able to pull a list of all his medications and procedures.

There's an 800 number on the tag, all they have to do is give a medical identification and your ID number.

Of course, the problem is making sure you keep your information up to date.

[jencat824]

In my region a DNR tattoo would not be useful. There is a LOT of disinformation out there about DNR. http://Www.polst.org has some useful guidance and if you live in a state that recognizes POLST and are to thy point in life get one. Make sure it is filled out properly and signed.

BTW...fairly standard practice is to look for DND/POLST and med lists on the refrigerator door.

Wow, great info, I did not know my state is 'just developing' so the DNR wouldn't do any good right now.

Since that won't work, I'll get a necklace, the bracelet may get lost, I wear jewelry a lot, so the necklace should be the easiest.

Jen