Does Medical ID Jewellery Actually Work?

[singingtoad]

When choosing medical ID jewellery, there are reviews saying that people are pleased with the jewellery, and reviews saying wearing the item makes them feel safer, BUT where is the evidence that emergency people etc actually succeed in making use of these items? - The evidence that, in real life, these items have helped?

Such a good idea, especially if you live alone. They can provide next of kin info as well as medical.

I would appreciate hearing from anyone who really knows the answer to my question!

[bantam12]

I have to carry a card because I’m on anticoagulants and have a pacemaker, I also wear a bracelet saying the same, obviously both those are important if I was in an accident which thankfully so far hasn’t happened so can’t say whether they work or not.

[Hedgeree in reply to bantam12]

Hi bantam12,

I didn't realise that you were supposed to carry a medical card when on anticoagulants and have a pacemaker fitted.

I'll advise my friend as he takes anticoagulants and has an ICD.

Ridiculous really seems obvious now when I think about it but no one has ever advised him to do so.

[bantam12 in reply to Hedgeree]

My anticoagulant meds box comes with an alert card with the patient info leaflet, don’t know if all the brands have the same. When your friend had his ICD fitted he should have been given a card with the make and number of his device.

[Hedgeree in reply to bantam12]

Thanks bantam12. I'll have to ask him about it.

[RedApple Administrator]

I am guessing that paramedics are trained to look for such items if there isn't anyone around to give them relevant information about the patient.

Have you contacted the vendors of medical ID jewellery to ask them for the evidence you want?

Perhaps this well know charity can answer your questions medicalert.org.uk

[jrbarnes]

I've never worn a medical bracelet but as I get older the thought crosses my mind because if I were placed unconscious in a hospital for any reason no one would know to give thyroid hormone and I no longer have a functioning thyroid so it would go downhill quick from there. If I get a bracelet it will be one that is obvious.

[kellyjoan in reply to jrbarnes]

Mine is bright pink silicone

[jrbarnes in reply to kellyjoan]

This post reminded me to buy one and it will be here in a week. I bought one with a bright read heart and medical logo. I almost bought the silicon because I liked the bright aqua color but there's so much sun where I live that I'll end up with a terrible tan line! I might buy one for the winter though.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

In no way meaning to suggest this as an alternative to a medical ID device, but as an additional possibility.

I suspect that emergency staff are aware of both medical ID jewellery and SOS on phones. But there is a possibility that, having found one, they'll not be so intent on finding a second. Therefore remember to keep any information up to date - whichever option(s) you choose.

Use Emergency SOS on your iPhone

With Emergency SOS, you can call for help quickly and easily, as well as alert your emergency contacts.

support.apple.com/en-gb/HT2...

Get help in an emergency using your Android phone

You can use your phone to show your emergency info. In some countries and with some operators, your phone can share your location with emergency services automatically.

Important: Some of these steps only work on Android 12 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

support.google.com/android/...

If you have a smart watch or some sports bands, you might find they have their own options or combine with phones in various ways.

[kellyjoan]

I wear a silicone bracket. Looks quite trendy. Personalised with info

[singingtoad]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Because I had been meaning to post this question for months, I forgot I had finally done so, hence the late thank you! Sorry, everyone.

You have made some useful points, and yes, jrbarnes, a lot of the reason for having medical ID is that it is possible to end up in hospital unable to communicate for some reason, and if you have no next of kin, the risk of that being a problem is greater. One worry is that possibly no one would be informed, due to data protection rules, so you could be there a week without any visitors!

I had to buy a new watch, and got a 'normal' one before I realized there could be any reason to get a smart one. I have an iPhone, and have just realized that I'd fail to get into it to make a call in an emergency due to the fingerprint recognition: the touch needs to be with a particular finger and at the correct angle, and not wet or cold! Must set up the emergency thing.

I had MedicAlert first, in 2014, but getting them to record my next-of-kin substitutes correctly was a real struggle due to their use of a limited drop-down list of relationship type. They came up with things weirdly embarrassing. The jewellery was expensive but poor quality. I think they likely could be trusted to actually respond to an emergency request, though. I mean "likely": I don't actually know.

I then subscribed to ICETEXT who offer a simple system of texts and a webpage where you can enter and update info for yourself, and more choice of jewellery. However, I bought into the telephone response system in 2015, and they have never charged the annual subs! They have twice replied - more than a year apart - that they can't charge until the website update is complete, which is obviously rubbish. They cannot possibly be employing people to answer the 'phone if they don't levy a fee!!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to singingtoad]

Must set up the emergency thing.

Yes! Do.

I did mine ages ago and will check whether anything has gone out of date after dinner this evening.