Medical bracelets

[Mirador19]

I am interested in your views on medical bracelets. I’m not sure if I need to wear one and if they are a help to the emergency services. I have my medical details on my phone and carry a list of my medication in my handbag.

Joan

[Calliope153]

I posted a very similar post a year ago and got 65 replies! If you look to the right hand side of your post you will see my little pic and the year old post - I wonder if anyone has got any further recommendations.....

[Mirador19 in reply to Calliope153]

Thank you for your reply, reading some of your replies is it giving me more confidence to get one.

[Calliope153 in reply to Mirador19]

I bought a sterling silver identity bracelet in the end - name engraved on inside and "cardiac ALERT" on the outside. After a year the inside inscription is perfect but the outside one is quite difficult to read as it is "wearing off". The advantage of silver is it doesn;t turn your wrist green. I never take it off - shower and sleep in it. My nursing friend persuaded me to get it because your pulse will be taken before emergency staff start looking in your purse... I carry a small laminated card with my medicines listed and emergency contact number in there and the mobile has ICE contact number. I no longer notice the bracelet but at the start I was really self conscious.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Calliope153]

I've just read through the entire discussion you started - a year on the discussion is still timely and the replies informative.

[bantam12]

I really don't like the usual medical alert jewellary so I bought a silver engraved disk on pink leather cord bracelet, the Taking Anticoagulants engraving is on the reverse as I didn't want it on show, will shortly need to get another one with Pacemaker on it 🙄

[Mirador19 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you for your reply. I need to have a good look at what is available.

[Sunnie2day]

I have a MedicAlert membership and the bracelet (several different styles of MedicAlert jewellery available in bracelets and necklaces for children, men and women in low to eye-watering prices) and the biggest reason I chose it is owing to a car wreck I was in (spring 1973) - they didn't find my handbag for weeks - if not for my MedicAlert bracelet they wouldn't have known who I was much less about my heart condition.

The membership means your jewellery is engraved with a membership number and a 24/7/365 manned telephone line number plus your most serious conditions so any First Responder will have immediate access to your identity and full medical information including NHS/CIH number just by ringing that phone line and giving them your membership number. By the time you get to A&E/Casualty your complete medical record is there for the medics to refer to whilst treating you.

My bracelet is stainless steel, I wear it always including sleeping, swimming and showering, and I have a spare in a slightly smaller size (hope floats for losing more weight ). A credit card type wallet card with more information comes with your membership and can be updated as often as needed for a very small fee.

An ICE on your mobile or in your purse/wallet is nice - but it can be parted from you in an emergency. A piece of jewellery is on you and all First Responders (and most 'good Samaritans') know to look for it whilst assessing your condition.

[Mirador19 in reply to Sunnie2day]

I agree with you about possibly not having things close by when in an emergency. Thank you for your input I will certainly check this out.

[Fredders]

I have a stainless steel bracelet which has the medic alert symbol on the outside. It has a compartment inside which holds a folded up card with my name, emergency contact and medical details. I am on warfarin as I have a mechanical valve and I also don’t have a spleen, details important for any medics. The bracelet looks just like a normal bracelet so nothing to be self conscious about. I also have the details on my phone and in my purse, but the bracelet is always on me.

Wendy

[Mirador19 in reply to Fredders]

The more I read the more I realise how valuable they are, thank you for your reply Fredders.

[Inamoment]

I've got a fancy one which you tap with a phone and it displays a web page with nhs number, diseases and pills. But it doesn't work with my phone and relies on the paramedic recognising it. I think it's much easier to have a card in my bag with the same info, i always take my bag. If at home it would probably be a careline initiated thing and they know about me

[Mirador19 in reply to Inamoment]

Thank you for your reply, I currently carry everything with me. There is so much to remember.

[judes]

Like sunny2day I have medic alert membership wouldn’t be without it, has come in useful several times.

Medic alert do lots of different styles I have a watch engraved with membership number etc. Also have a bracelet.

I keep the card with my phone

J

[Mirador19 in reply to judes]

The more I read about medic alert the more I like the sound of it. Thank you for your reply.

[-MOLLY]

I have cardiac alert and my NHS number on mine. l got it from a well known auction site for approx 12 quid all in inclusive of delivery. Nice shiny stainless steel. Had it for weeks now and no sign of any skin discoloration or itching.

[Mirador19]

Thank you for your reply, I am checking all of the different online options.