What Kind of Information do you put on a medical ID bracelet.?
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My bracelet (which I rarely wear...to be explained later) has my name, IDDM (stands for insulin dependent diabetes mellitis), External Insulin Pump, the 1-800 number for MedicAlert and my MedicAlert ID number. I do not list my allergies due to limited space. However, that information, along with my blood type, doctor's name and phone number, other medications I take, insurance information and other emergency contacts (my boyfriend and mother) is all printed on the card.
My current bracelet is my 6th one, I believe. Since I have lost so many, I rarely wear it. Instead...and I do NOT recommend this for everyone...I have a medic alert tattoo.
I DO carry my MedicAlert ID card. In fact, I have two of them. One stays in my wallet and there is another one in my truck, on the driver's side visor. Also, on my truck's windshield (on the driver's side) is a MedicAlert decal that states I'm a member of MedicAlert and has the phone number to them on it.
It has come in handy a few times. The tattoo has also been recognized for what it is and while it's not a 100% effective replacement for the bracelet, it is noticeable and EMS knows what it means. My tattoo is the MedicAlert symbol with the letters IDDM across it. It's red, about 2 inches long and on my abdomen, just above my waist.
EMT
Just a note...if you are a member of MedicAlert, MEMORIZE your ID number. If you are able to talk, you can give that number so when MedicAlert is contacted, your information will be quickly available.
MedicAlert also now has "keys"...USB devices that can store all of your information and be carried on your keychain. They can be plugged into any USB outlet on a computer for fast and easy access to your health information.
medicalert.org
Allergies and illnesses you may have.
I put on mine the most serious disease I have and then any medical condition, ie. pacemaker. Put the most important concern first example: Parkinson, Coumadin Thearpy, Pacemaker and then I put a contact number of someon who know all about my health concerns( doctor or husband)
If you are talking about for diabetes, then you put Diabetic on your bracelet.
You can put any serious medical condition or allergies that would help health care personnel treat you if you are found unconscious.
Since you are limited to the space on the bracelet you don't have to have your entire medical history. I would go with important things that doctors or emt's would need to know immediately. Such as name, address, emergency contact number and any medical problems you have, i.e diabetic, heart problems ext. I would also definitely include any drug allergies that you might have.
I agree that listing your most pressing medical concerns is the route to take.
It may be comforting for you to know that Medic-Alert will keep a FULL database of your health information--including all medications, doctors' names and numbers, emergency contacts, medical and surgical history, allergies, and so on.
Getting the database set up (and keeping it up-to-date) is the most important step. What is on your bracelet is helpful to emergency personnel, but what is more helpful is the detailed information they have at their fingertips. A call to Medic-Alert (or plugging in your USB device) will tell them everything they need.
I'm diabetic, my doctor told me it is best to put the name of your medication on it. I've also searched walgreens pharmacy to try and find one that I like. The type of medication you take will allow medical personnel to know you are diabetic.
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