Written by Lucy,
An emergency medical situation is often unanticipated, but it always requires quick thinking and action. That often comes from bystanders and first responders. 91% of adults who have been trained in “any form of emergency response skill” indicate that they are prepared to step in until professionals arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, a national poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and Morning Consult revealed. While bystanders and emergency medical personnel play crucial roles in emergency situations, there are critical ways in which individuals can prepare for an unforeseen event. From natural disasters to everyday scenarios, patient-carried medical information serves as the foundation for proper care in the case of an emergency.
Multi-situation preparation — the role of unpredictability
Unpredictability is a major factor in medical emergencies, especially when it comes to situations where emergency medical records (EMRs) are inaccessible. While patient-carried medical information typically won’t involve the complete picture regarding a person’s medical history, they can inform bystanders and first responders of the basic, need-to-know information that could save a life in an emergency. This typically includes the patient’s name, medical condition, allergies, necessary medications, as well as emergency contact information. This insight can help medical professionals determine the correct course of action and can prevent any preventable mishaps. A medical ID that indicates an allergy to a medication, for instance, will prompt a first responder to use a more appropriate alternative based on the situation at hand.
Patient-carried medical information can prove to be an asset in a number of situations. In air travel, flight attendants and medical professionals on board will be able to better determine the intricacies of the situation when this information is present. For example, should a traveler lose consciousness due to severely low blood sugar, a medical ID bracelet could provide valuable insight about the patient’s underlying condition (hypoglycemia). The same could be said for a patient who experiences a severe allergy, heart condition, or other medical occurrence in which the individual is unable to verbally communicate their condition and needs.
In natural disasters, patient-carried medical information can serve as a valuable resource for those aiding a victim, especially when considering the unpredictable nature of various disaster scenarios. For example, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and even severe thunderstorms can all result in debris that can easily render an individual unconscious. Should an individual have an underlying medical condition (like diabetes), medical professionals will be able to address exterior wounds as well as take their medication needs into consideration. It’s worth noting that patient-carried information can prove to be especially beneficial in areas where natural disasters are typical for the area, like California, where threats like earthquakes and wildfires are always present. A Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) statewide survey that focused on wildfires revealed that just 35% of adults report that they are “personally prepared for a disaster.” While preparations for a natural disaster like a wildfire include such measures as prepping an emergency first aid kit, preparations can extend to medical ID solutions as well.
Medical jewelry — an easily identifiable choice
Patients have a myriad of choices when it comes to effective medical ID. Wearables are just one timeless solution that can easily facilitate patient-carried information, and there are a variety of options to choose from. Engraved jewelry pieces are common choices, and can range from those that depict a clear medical symbol to those that are more discreet. Often crafted with stainless steel, medical ID jewelry is a durable choice that medical professionals and bystanders can easily spot.
Dog tags are a classic option, and have a long history as a prime form of identification with roots that can be traced back to the military (specifically the Civil War). While silver dog tags serve as a form of general identification for each member of the military, dog tags characterized by a red hue serve another purpose. Red dog tags play a crucial role in order to successfully identify that an injured soldier has an underlying medical condition or allergy with ease. Similar to military red medical dog tags, civilian medical jewelry is often characterized by distinctive markings like a red Caduceus for a distinctively identifiable piece when out in public.
From wrists to wallets — valuable secondary options
Many individuals today may prefer a more modern and tech-driven approach to patient-carried medical information, like a smartphone app or even a smartwatch. While such avenues do have a few drawbacks like limited battery life, there are several advantages to keep in mind. Smartphone integrated features like the smartphone emergency medical identification tool (SEMID), for instance, is an accessible and simple way for individuals to store up-to-date, valuable medical information on their device. This includes details such as blood type, medical history, current medications, contact information, and other important healthcare notes. For patients who used this feature on their smartphone, a study led by the University of Rochester researchers discovered that the information “was useful and relevant to patient care in 75% of cases.”
This emergency medical ID feature extends to wearable devices, like popular brands of smartwatches. In addition to a screen that displays traditional emergency medical information, certain features can prove to be an asset in an unforeseen situation. Fall detection, low blood sugar warning, and emergency calling are just a few that can help a patient to better navigate a variety of situations. However, medical professionals and patients alike must consider the potential concerns associated with this type of technology in emergencies. For example, while traditional medical ID jewelry can often be an obvious sign that medical professionals and bystanders seek out, a smartwatch alone may not be universally recognized as a form of medical ID by many — especially if the individual is unable to verbally communicate. This is just one significant factor that underlines the importance of modern details in emergency service and response training, which can help heighten awareness among those in the field.
Generally speaking, traditional wearable medical IDs can serve as the most recognizable form of ID for bystanders and medical personnel when in an emergent situation, though there are other forms of ID that can act as a backup. A medical ID card that can be kept in a wallet can be a great way for patients to keep important information close by in the event of an emergency. However, due to the fact that these are not always accessible in every situation. For example, an individual may not have their bag or wallet nearby when a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, or may get separated from their ID in the commotion of a frantic event. Even when present, a medical ID card that is tucked away in a wallet could potentially go unnoticed. It’s crucial to note, however, that wallet cards can present a key advantage over traditional medical IDs due to their ability to display more information. This includes additional contact numbers and specifics about medication or a condition that can shed even more light on an individual and their needs in an emergency.
Emergency medical situations are never anticipated, though there are simple and effective ways that individuals can prepare. Medical ID solutions such as wearable devices, classic ID jewelry pieces, and even identification cards can all help provide bystanders and medical professionals with the right information in the event of an emergency.
Author bio
Lucy is a freelance writer who enjoys contributing to a range of publications, both in print and online. She spent almost a decade working in the care sector with vulnerable people before taking a step back to start a family and now focuses on her first love of writing.
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