Medical Alert Key Chains.

[TickTockMan]

I am thinking of buying a USB medical alert key chain. Is it worth buying one? Is a key chain just as good as a bracelet or necklace? Or will the key chain possibly be over looked? Do paramedics and ER staff really look for them and would they really plug it into a computer to get all of the info off of it?


Does anyone work in an ER and know for sure?

 

[looseliam]

I don't know the protocol for where EMTs or ER staff inspect for these sorts of things. I would stick with something recognisable on one's wrist or around one's neck just to be safe. I have also seen people who get tattoos on their wrists with the same symbol.

 

[justsimon]

I would think that jewelry would be a better bet. EMTs and ER staff are usually rushed and don't have time to go rooting around for your keys.

 

[KaraBulut]

It depends on your condition. Jewelry or tattoos are still the best option for things like diabetes, porphyria, seizure disorders, drug allergies, etc. We're usually more attuned to medicalert jewelry and these are more likely to be noticed and recognized.

The problem with the USB devices is the availability of a computer and the lack of a universal standard for the information that would be contained on the device (the same issue exists with microchip technology).

If you have a very complicated history and if you're on complex medications, then a USB device may supplement the information on a bracelet, dogtag or medical tattoo.

Honestly- the most valuable piece of information for emergency personnel is a phone number- an "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) phone number often provides more information about history and possible reasons why you ended up in the emergency room.

 

[TickTockMan]

I have a hard time wearing jewelry so that is why I was thinking of a key chain. Do you think a bracelet or a necklace would be better?

 

[looseliam]

I have a hard time wearing jewelry so that is why I was thinking of a key chain. Do you think a bracelet or a necklace would be better?

I think a bracelet would be best as it's most common. I'm not sure to what your allergic, but if it's something common like penicillin or latex I'd consider a tattoo. Yes it may be unsightly, but I would think the alternative is far worse.

 

[medic1]

I am thinking of buying a USB medical alert key chain. Is it worth buying one? Is a key chain just as good as a bracelet or necklace? Or will the key chain possibly be over looked? Do paramedics and ER staff really look for them and would they really plug it into a computer to get all of the info off of it?


Does anyone work in an ER and know for sure?

No stick to the necklace ,the most popular and the one that nurse,s look for 1st , followed by the med alert bracelet .
Plus most Hospitals dont spend the money on the software needed to use them correctly . (usb)

If you are rushed into Hospital on the blues and two,s (old saying for critical) , the only thing that is looked at closely
from your pocket is your wallet for name , NOK stuff like that , the rest is then usualy placed on a tray in your area .
Hope that helped ?

 

[racer2438]

My honey's dad was very ill and had grand mal siezures, sadly he passed away(rip Tony) but the emt's told us that they focus on the braclets/necklace items first as they are working on the person and can see them right away, not going through pockets/purses AT FIRST. Generally they are working on them and a fireman/police is gathering info and our local EMT's also suggest putting the ICE info on your phone (if you have one)

FYI: ICE------> In Case of Emergency contact info. If you make a entry in your phone contacts with name of ICE and the phone #'s they can let your family/friends know that there is a situation and need your responce.

 

[TickTockMan]

I think a bracelet would be best as it's most common. I'm not sure to what your allergic, but if it's something common like penicillin or latex I'd consider a tattoo. Yes it may be unsightly, but I would think the alternative is far worse.

I am allergic to penicillin, but I am more worried about letting people know what conditions I have and meds I am on. Quite a few of my conditions and meds say I should wear an alert ID. It’s not just for my safety, it could be for theirs as well. Certain meds make me flip out for some reason.

No stick to the necklace ,the most popular and the one that nurse,s look for 1st , followed by the med alert bracelet .
Plus most Hospitals dont spend the money on the software needed to use them correctly . (usb)

If you are rushed into Hospital on the blues and two,s (old saying for critical) , the only thing that is looked at closely
from your pocket is your wallet for name , NOK stuff like that , the rest is then usualy placed on a tray in your area .
Hope that helped ?

It sounds like I should get a regular necklace alert ID and a pocket alert sheet and keep it with my license. Thanks.

My honey's dad was very ill and had grand mal siezures, sadly he passed away(rip Tony) but the emt's told us that they focus on the braclets/necklace items first as they are working on the person and can see them right away, not going through pockets/purses AT FIRST. Generally they are working on them and a fireman/police is gathering info and our local EMT's also suggest putting the ICE info on your phone (if you have one)

FYI: ICE------> In Case of Emergency contact info. If you make a entry in your phone contacts with name of ICE and the phone #'s they can let your family/friends know that there is a situation and need your responce.

That is a good idea.




Thanks everyone.