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Gerryk wrote:I have been in the emergency medical services (Fire based ambulance service) for about 30 years. I have seen many medic alert bracelets and necklaces.

Gerry,

Do emergency responders (such as yourself) automatically check for Medic Alert necklaces that may be mostly hidden under clothing? I'd rather have something more inconspicuous than a bracelet, but wasn't sure if a necklace worn under clothing would be seen.

~ DreamOn

I wear a MedicAlert bracelet on my wristwatch arm. It has my member ID, the 800 number for details, and "sleep apena" and "allergic to PCN" and "HTN" (need a new one without the 'HTN' as that's pretty much gone). When I go to Dragon*Con each year, I register with Handicap Services to get a medic alert sticker for my badge that must be worn at all times. I take some clear tape and a printout of my medical stuff to tape on the back of my badge: CPAP pressure='x', monitor oxygen levels and breathing, turn on side if possible, list of my supplements, the prescription meds I use/take and emergency contact info. I take a ton of supplements and MedicAlert has these details on file; it's worth the fee for this to speak for me in case of an emergency.

Gerry,

My bracelet has SLEEP APNEA and HEARING LOSS printed on it. As a first responder, you would see these listings and would not need to call the number it lists for more information. If I were unconscicous when you first came upon me at an accident scene, the apnea information probably would not be of too much concern to you at that point. If I began to regain consciousness, knowing that I had hearing loss would let you know to speak clearly and communicate carefully with me.

Once at the hospital, if I required surgery, a doctor would be able to call the number listed on my bracelet for more information. That is when they would get the information on my titration, etc. At least, this is how Medic Alert explained it to me.

Lisa

Yes, checking for a medic alert bracelett is one of the first things you are taught. However in the middle of winter they are not readily accessible on everyone. Some people bundle up to the point that you can't access their wrists or necks, but it is easier to access the neck over the wrist if you are wearing one around your neck. If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash and are injured we are supposed to do what is called expose and palpate, in other words remove the necessary clothing to examine for injuries. Many times people have injuries and don't know it or can't tell you.

I have myself missed a medic alert tag in my preliminarty exam because I was working on the ABC's airway breathing and circulation. But when we had more help or got past the ABC's we found it.

They do help especially if you are unconscious or otherwise unable to comminicate. I myself don't wear one for the same reason I don't wear a wedding ring or any other jewelry. It can be caught on things at work and hurt us. Besides after I lost my wedding ring three times withing two weeks after being married while working in the flower bed my wife decided to hold onto it. I had to use a metal detector to find it.

I hope I answered everything, if not let me know and I will.

Gerry

LoneStar wrote:
Once at the hospital, if I required surgery, a doctor would be able to call the number listed on my bracelet for more information. That is when they would get the information on my titration, etc. At least, this is how Medic Alert explained it to me.

Another advantage of going with Medic Alert is that you can also put important contact info on file. If you are hospitalized and not able to contact an emergency contact person for yourself, the hospital can get that information from Medic Alert. You can also list your doctors to be contacted to coordinate your care.

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I do recommend a medic alert for anyone with medical problems. I shouldn't really say anything about someone who doesn't, as I don't have one for myself. I ordered one two times and they came in wrong both times so I gave up. You can order them just about anyplace. I believe most pharmacists still have cards up at the register selling them.

They are inexpensive and worth every penny.

Gerry

I think that is a great idea! One that I had not thought of before.