If you have a chronic medical condition or severe allergy, are you wearing proper identification in the case of an emergency? Medical identification jewelry and/or tags are essential in alerting people as to any medication you may be taking. They can also let doctors and nurses know what disease you may have. ID tags and jewelry can not only save precious time in helping diagnose the reason for the emergency, but can also direct the treating physicians of any allergies you may suffer from when you cannot speak for yourself.

Paramedics are trained to check your wrists first, then for a necklace and finally your shoes (some people wear shoe tags) for any medical information to assist them in treating you. If you are unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate, your medical ID tags will convey important information when time is crucial. Importantly, medical identification jewelry can help prevent serious medical errors in treatment if you have a drug allergy, or are already taking a combination of certain prescriptions.

When Should You Wear Medical Identification?

1. If you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Narcolepsy
• Heart Disease
• Asthma
• Cerebral Palsy
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Autism
• Alzheimer's
• Hypertension
• Food allergies
• Medication allergies
• Other allergies (i.e, bee stings)

2. If you are taking certain medications or using medical devices:

• Insulin
• Blood thinners
• Pacemakers
• Multiple medications

3. When Recommended by your Doctor or Physician

4. In the following circumstances: ALWAYS.

If not consistently, then at least when you:

• Travel
• Drive
• Operate heavy machinery
• Exercise
• Are otherwise away from home or in unfamiliar surroundings

What Information Should Be Included on Medical ID Jewelry?

• Name
• Emergency contact
• Phone number (who should medics call?)
• Condition and/or medication

Generally, the EMS star (a rod of Asclepius symbol over a sideways cross) will alert people to the fact your bracelet, necklace or tag is a medical ID. The rod of Asclepius -a serpent entwined around a staff - is a traditional symbol of medicine, signifying the practice of healing through medicine.

Example:

S. Hicks (202) 555-5555 Diabetes: Insulin

But ID Bracelets are Unattractive!

True, some medical ID bracelets are made of stainless steel and not particularly attractive. You can often purchase these inexpensive items at drug store counters, or through mail order catalogs, often found in trade or specialty magazines (i.e. Diabetes Forecast: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-forecast.jsp ). If appearance is stopping you from wearing identification jewelry, there are many additional options. Fine jewelry stores offer sleek 14K gold and sterling silver bracelets and charms. Tags can be engraved with your information and emergency contact information. Watches are available, as well.

What about my Child? How can I encourage him or her to wear Identification?

If your child suffers from a chronic illness, has severe allergies, or is taking medication that warrants a medical identification, it is extremely important that he or she consistently wear the proper ID. Obviously, you cannot be with your child every minute of the day, particularly when they begin school, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Children may complain that a bracelet is ugly, or otherwise "not cool" to wear. Fortunately, there are many websites that cater specifically to children, selling unique, fun designs of medical jewelry. Make sure the fit is proper; too loose and the bracelet may come off; too tight and it will be uncomfortable. Alternatively, or in addition to medical jewelry, shoe tags are a great idea for active kids and adults, as well. The security of the tag will not be lost during strenuous workouts or other sports in which a bracelet or necklace would interfere.

A Lifesaving Story

Medical identification can truly save your life! One year ago, my friend's father, a diabetic patient on insulin, was purchasing some new tires for his truck. He was unaware that his blood sugar was dropping rapidly and that he was beginning to have a severe hypoglycemic episode. Slightly incoherent, he finished the transaction, got into the truck and drove away. Fortunately, the salesperson at the store had noticed the medic alert bracelet on my friend's father's wrist and figured there might be an explanation for the man's strange behavior. After he left, the store called 911 and expressed their concerns about the situation. Medics found the man 10 minutes later, pulled over along side of the road, passed out. His blood sugar level was 10 mg/dl and he was near death. He was rushed to the hospital and received proper treatment - just in time!

There are many stories similar to this one, in which people will attest to the saving power of wearing medical identification jewelry or tags. However, they can only be of assistance if you actually use them! Don't wait another day for a serious situation to arise. Explore the many websites that offer unique, beautiful and/or just plain functional medical identifications. The peace of mind alone is worth the small investment.