What is a medical ID bracelet or necklace?
A medical ID bracelet is jewelry engraved with important health information, such as serious medical conditions, allergies, and prescribed medications. They are particularly useful for people living with:
- Cognitive and memory issues or development disabilities
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Food or medication allergies
- Asthma, emphysema, or COPD
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Implants such as steel rods, brain shunts or stents
Is a medical ID bracelet necessary?
If you are a senior, you might be wondering just how necessary a medical ID bracelet is and if it is actually helpful in an emergency. American Medical ID conducted a survey of various emergency medical professionals, including first responders and paramedics. They measured how often, and in what context, they search for a medical ID bracelet. Below are some of their results:
- More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies.
- More than 75 percent look for a medical ID immediately upon assessing a patient.
- Ninety-five percent look at the patient’s wrist to find a medical ID, and 68 percent look for an ID around the patient’s neck.
This study suggests that the information provided on a medical ID bracelet is indeed pertinent and useful to emergency medical personnel.
What information is on a medical ID bracelet?
In addition to medical conditions, there is a wide range of other information that can be engraved on a medical ID bracelet. The American Medical ID website lists some examples:
- Advance Directives (DNR, etc.)
- Blood Type
- Contact Lens Use
- Intubation Directives
- Emergency Contacts (Next of Kin, Physician, etc.)
- Faith
- The Presence of Implants
- The Existence of a Living Will
- Organ Donor Status
- The Presence of a Pacemaker
- The Presence of a Stent
The bottom line
Surely in an emergency where you are unable to speak for yourself, knowledge of any of the above, in addition to medical conditions, known allergies, and prescribed medications can be invaluable. The quick education provided by a medical ID bracelet might be all that is needed for emergency medical professionals to correctly assess your situation, and possibly save your life.
Many companies that sell medical ID bracelets offer additional services, such as 24/7/365 emergency services. Medical professionals can call a medical ID company’s hotline to speak to someone who can access a patient’s health information and contact a family member.
When considering whether or not to wear a medical ID bracelet, the above information can help inform you of its value, and bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. It is the hope of every senior that the bracelet will never need to be more than a piece of jewelry, but in the event of an emergency, it can truly be helpful.
Learn more: The Critical Difference Between a Medical Alert Bracelet and a Medical Alert System
