Engraved medical ID bracelets give wearers the peace of mind that comes from knowing any medical condition they’re affected by will be taken into consideration even if they’re in an accident that prevents them from disclosing their medical history. Medical alert bracelets generally contain am individual’s name and emergency contact as well as information about his or her medical condition and allergies.
A History of Medical ID Bracelets
The first medical ID bracelets were created in the early 1950s. A 14-year-old girl named Linda Collins cut her finger; at the emergency room to which she was taken for treatment, she was given a dose of tetanus antitoxin.
Within moments, Linda began exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock for she was severely allergic to tetanus antitoxin. Thereafter, Linda’s parents began attaching a note to her clothes or to a band on her wrist whenever she went to events without them that contained information about the nature of her allergy. Fashion-conscious Linda came up with the idea of engraving that information on a silver bracelet.
Linda’s father eventually went on to establish MedicAlert Foundation International, which is an organization that serves as a link between emergency responders and individuals in the field. However, you do not have to be a member of MedicAlert in order to wear a medical ID bracelet.
Who Should Wear a Medical ID Bracelet?
Medical ID bracelets should be worn by anyone who might need special consideration should they happen to be involved in an emergency situation because the nature of your condition could rule out certain types of interventions.
• Epilepsy: Seizures are not always readily identifiable as such. Wearing a medical ID bracelet will help first responders recognize when you’re having a seizure, and that may prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
• Diabetes: If you’re a diabetic, and you’re taking a medication that can cause hypoglycemia, the American Diabetes Association recommends wearing a bracelet.
• Drug allergies: It’s essential to alert medical personnel to drug allergies so that no one initiates a standard emergency protocol that involves the medication to which you react badly.
