How Many Of You Carry A Medical Card Or Bracelet?

[R0Y]

This was a great reminder to update my medical info card and make additional copies so I can always have one with me. Thanks.

-- roy --

 

[martha]

I have a homograph and don't. It's something to think about though...... When I asked my cardio, he said there was no need for one. The thought of being unable to answer in case of emergency is something I have not thought about. martha

 

[Nancy]

Judging from the questions the EMTs have asked me about Joe's history when he's had emergencies, it's important for them to know about any major surgery you've had and I think they would like to know about homografts. That's an important piece of info. It means that you've had some sort of heart problem which required the surgery.

And while I'm posting, I'd like to rmind ya'll to remove your "jewelry" once in a while and clean it with a toothbrush and some alcohol. The chains can get a little "yucky". Don't want to get a rash and must keep them bright and shiny, you know. The sonic cleaner is good too.

 

[Ross]

The sonic cleaner is good too.

A heck, go all out and Autoclave them! hehe
Then you'll know they're sterile.

 

[Rain]

Do they really go searching??

Do they really go searching??

I did not want to wear a tag around my arm or neck saying I had medical problems. I told my cardio that surely if they were smart enough to be EMTs they?d see the scar, hear the clicking and know I was on coumadin....... ? Nope, that didn?t work... he began telling me some real horror stories. Soooo I got a necklace... but it?s flat on the back and bothers my chest. So I got a bracelet that I wear most of the time. I also have a card... but do they really go searching through your purse, looking at every card? I take my purse just about everywhere.

Rain

 

[Ross]

Rain when I went through training, the first thing we were to look for (With a witness present) was a wallet or the like with the emergency info. Actually now, they look for the necklace or bracelet, then go for the ID. In short, yes, they'll take your purse apart looking, so keep it where it can be easily found.

 

[John Cochran]

The chains can get a little "yucky".

OK, I've got the perfect solution, one which solves several problems at once. I'm getting this info tattooed on my chest, but in an artistic way that totally conceals the scar.



John

 

[Les]

Bonnie,
The necklace doesn't cover that much so the EMT would get an eyeful, regardless. ( Just teasing...) Your point is well taken...I have never worn my necklace in the shower but I suppose your scenario is a very real one that could present a problem. Will adjust my "adornment" routine. Thanks!
Les
____________
AVR '93 / '95
"I Click...Therefore I Am...

 

[Gnusgal]

My question is, who called the EMT?

 

[Jean]

After reading your posts, I think I too will get a necklace to wear...or Johnny, maybe a tattoo...I have been thinking about a tattoo to do something with the scars from my valve job and the two mastectomies...I guess nothing that big, huh?

I just never thought of needing one with the homograph.

 

[wlaldridge]

Bonnie you devil !!!

You just don't know how much I hate needles, but I have come to love yours. Go figure!

I shower with a "fan humming".

If the EMT can't figure the MedicAlert necklace hanging on the hook belongs to me and needs to be looked at, then the "fan humming" who probably called the EMT will have to stop humming and speak up.

It is a good point tho', maybe I will need the tatoo or a laminated medical chart to carry into the shower.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Guys.....Just got back from Virginia, went on like this morning and had to post to this thread.

As an "expired" emt, active for over 10 years, I URGE, URGE, URGE everyone to get that bracelet or necklace and wear it. If you're ever in a situation where you're unconscious and can't communicate, emt's are trained to first check necks and wrists for that medical id. If you're in an auto accident, for example, many times that pocketbook or wallet is not available, but those bracelets and necklaces NEVER come off, at least in my experience. PLEASE wear them and NEVER take them off except for cleaning.

We don't even contact medic-alert, everything that most people are on and take for meds is usually on the back of that bracelet/necklace. In an emergency situation, we're trained to stabilize and run (scoop and run) so there's no time to contact anyone except the hospital or the helicopter. It's the hospital's job to call medic-alert and many times they don't even bother, they just look at the bracelet id and know what a patient is on.

Rossman and everyone out there, please get that id. Your life may depend on it one day.

Evelyn

 

[Nancy]

I'm glad you posted Evelyn. When your life is in danger, the EMTs just aren't going to spend valuable time rummaging through someone's purse to see if they can find something. Remember when they're called, it will be because you are in a very serious condition. They're going to be busy just keeping you alive. Take it from me as well. They've been to our house more times than I care to remember.

OK, I'll shut up now.

 

[ALCapshaw]

Interesting thread. Thanks for nudging us Ross.

Now, where / how does one obtain the St. Jude card mentioned so often in this thread?

It looks like carrying a laminated card with Doctors names, phone numbers, and medications would also be a good idea. Any suggestions as to how / where these can be prepared / purchased?

'AL'

 

[Granbonny]

Received mine in mail

Received mine in mail

Just a few weeks after coming home. I thought everyone got them. Bonnie

 

[Johnny Stephens]

I carry / wear:

St. Jude Patient Identification Card
Medic Alert Card
Medic Alert Necklace (States: Aortic and Mitral Implants. Takes Coumadin)

 

[Kim]

I carry in my wallet a St. Jude's Medical card with my valve serial number listed. Al.....that came in the mail automatically several weeks after I returned home from the hospital. I also have my card stating that I need protection from bacterial endocarditis (american heart association), my actual laminated card from MedicAlert, and I wear a MedicAlert braclet that I NEVER take off. Like Kristy shared, it was so darn hard to put on initially that I just don't remove it! I shower with it and I have never had a problem with it being dirty....even the chain is still nice (I have 10k gold).

Information can be updated at MedicAlert's 1-800 number 24/7 or online. It lists who to call in an emergency and I have recently needed to update my meds and my husband's work number. There is a $15 annual fee that I feel is well worth the money. All a medical person needs to do is call their 1-800 number and they have all of your current info.

Because I walk often, and obviously don't want to carry a purse, I feel confident that I am "identified" with my name and next of kin and any medical info, if something happened to me.

 

[Gnusgal]

Evelyn

Evelyn

Do they really not bother calling??? I have a VERY complex history, and not all of it fits on my bracelet. They just have "pacemaker, situs inversus, no vp/bp left arm, takes coumadin, drug allergies" on the bracelet itself, but the file at Medic Alert has more details about my condition and my docs phone numbers (I also have my docs' phone numbers in my purse). I'd feel better if they found out all my info, rather than just going off of the little bit that's on the bracelet. I know that's not the case for everyone, but I hope they bother to call if I'm ever in that situation...

 

[Junebug]

I wear the medical Alert necklace & carry the card in my wallet...have been for about 15 years. I have also told my kids that I wear it & what it's for (just in case). I think I'll get a bracelet too & switch off once in awhile.

Thanks for the tip on trying to get the most important info on it, especially if the EMT's aren't going to call....I oftened wondered what would happen in an emergency.

 

[tlhudson]

I have never thought of the possible need for an ID Tag of any sort.

Where does one find one, incase Monday a replacement is performed and I will need one?