Medical ID

Why are medical IDs critical?

Perhaps your doctor, nurse or pharmacist advised you to obtain and always wear a medical ID. Why is it important?

• In an emergency, when you might not be able to speak for yourself, a medical ID bracelet or necklace speaks for you.
• Symptoms of common ailments can easily be misdiagnosed. Prompt diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. A brief description of vital medical facts engraved on your medical ID ensures appropriate and timely medical care.
• According to a published study, half of all medical errors occur because of mistakes made upon admission or discharge from the hospital. Wearing a medical ID protects against potentially harmful medical errors.
• More than 95 percent of emergency responders look for a medical ID; more than 75 percent check for a medical ID immediately upon assessing the patient. If you're wearing a medical ID, it won't be missed.
• Medical IDs can eliminate trips to the hospital, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent minor emergencies from becoming major ones. Medical IDs save lives! One day, a medical ID may save you.

Who should wear a medical ID?

If you have ongoing medical conditions, drug or food allergies, or are taking multiple medicines, you should wear a medical ID alert. An engraved medical ID bracelet or necklace presenting a concise overview of your conditions, allergies and medicines will alert a doctor or medic before starting treatment. Informing medical personnel about your unique medical conditions and needs will greatly aid pre-hospital care.

Below is a partial list of ailments or persons who should wear a medical ID:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease (angina, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
• Blood thinners/anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)/even aspirin
• Drug allergies (such as Penicillin)
• Food allergies (such as peanut)
• Insect allergies (such as bee stings)
• Alzheimer's/Dementia/Memory impairment
• Anemia
• Ankylosing
• Spondylitis
• Asthma
• Autism
• ADD/ADHD
• Bariatric surgery patients
• Blood disorders
• Breathing disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Clinical trial patients
• COPD
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Epilepsy, seizures
• Hearing, sight or mentally impaired
• Hypertension
• Kidney failure
• Mental health patients
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• People taking multiple medications
• Rare diseases
• Special needs children
• Stroke risk
• Surgery, transplant or cancer patients
• Tourette Syndrome

These medical ailments demand a medical ID. If you're unsure whether you need to wear a medical ID tag, consult your physician or pharmacist.

Medical Alert Devices

Medical Alert devices come in many shapes and designs. They may be in the form of buttons, necklaces, bracelets, pendants or wristwatches. They may have designer shapes. They may be made of precious metals like silver or gold, or come in practical shapes without any attention to their aesthetic appearance. Image-conscious wearers usually go in for these devices in form of fashionable (medical) jewelry, which is less likely to advertise their medical problems to others.

Since wearing these devices is often a medical necessity, one has to be careful before deciding which device is best suited to their type of disease. The simplest form of these devices are manufactured as jewelry items with the medical history of the patient, along with telephone numbers of his family and doctor, engraved on them. But far more useful than these are the jewelry items fitted with sensors and electronic mechanisms that activate the transmission system installed within, and connect to telephone lines or radio frequencies to contact the patient’s family, friends, and doctor, and also summon medical assistance. These devices contain the medical identity of the patient and the history of his disease so the critical time in diagnosing is not wasted.

Considering the millions of people the world over suffering from different medical problems, the market is awash with fashionable designer medical jewelry meant for these persons. Therefore, one must be cautious before spending money on them. It would be better to seek the advice of one’s doctor before deciding which device suits your medical condition. These devices are sophisticated, and likely to be costly and beyond the reach of ordinary persons. But if a thorough search is made through the Internet, Yellow Pages or other sources, cheaper but equally useful accessories can be bought. Care should also be taken about the reputation of the manufacturing company with regard to the product quality, guarantee of its effectiveness and after-sales service.

Medical Alerts provides detailed information about medical alerts, medical alert system, medical alert bracelets, medical alert necklaces and more. Medical Alerts is the sister site of Cardiac Rehab.