Medical identification tag

The emblem for medical emergency services in many countries, the Star of Life, features a rod of Asclepius.

A medical identification tag is a small emblem or tag worn on a bracelet, neck chain, or on the clothing bearing a message that the wearer has an important medical condition that might require immediate attention. The tag is often made out of stainless steel or sterling silver.[1] The intention is to alert a paramedic, physician, emergency department personnel or other first responders of the condition even if the wearer is not conscious enough or old enough to explain. Some people prefer to carry a wallet card with the same information or add a stick-on medical ID tag.[2]

A new type of medic identification alert is the USB medical alert tag. This is essentially a USB flash drive that contains an individual's emergency information. Because of the memory on the flash drive these USB medical alert tags are capable of carrying much more information than the conventional medical ID bracelet. Information such as medications, existing conditions, doctors and emergency contacts can all be stored on the USB tags. Emergency personnel can instantly access the information with any available computer, if they have access to a computer with a USB port and have the software to read the data, and their policies allow inserting USB drives of unknown origin into their computer systems.

Another new type of medic identification alert is QR code based medical alert stickers. The QR code on the sticker links to a web service that contains the individual's emergency information. The information is accessed by any first responder or emergency personnel by scanning the QR code by using a smartphone. Since a web service is used to store the information there is normally no limitation of how much information that can be stored.

Conditions for use

Typical conditions warranting wearing of such a tag are:

Information provided

Main article: In case of emergency

In addition to mention of the relevant medical condition(s), the tag may have a telephone number that medical personnel can call for more information, for example that of physician, care-giver or next of kin. Where applicable and provided, the wearer's national health service user number can enable access to a more detailed case history. Basically, the medical information tag, engraved with the wearer's personal medical problem or history, speak for the wearer when the wearer can't. Incidentally and where the symptoms can mislead, such a tag may also be useful as evidence of such a condition to law enforcement personnel.

Types

There are various types of medical ID available. The most common form of medical ID is jewelry which provides a logo or inscription indicating a particular medical condition. These medical identification tags can be made out of stainless steel (usually classified as 316L and known as surgical stainless steel), sterling silver or gold. If found by emergency personnel the inscription provides an indication of your special medical needs. Tags are available with pre-engraved conditions or can be custom engraved with your specific medical histories and have the benefit of that all information is self-contained and does not require any form of technology to view in case of an emergency.

Another type of medical ID jewelry indicates membership in a medical information organization such as the MedicAlert Foundation, and American Medical ID. Such medical ID jewelry includes a member identification number and a toll-free number for medical emergency personnel to contact the organization and obtain full information about the wearer's medical conditions, treatment, and history. These organizations maintain a database of medical information on their members and can provide it to medical personnel when requested.

One technology allows the user to carry their own information on a USB device[3] that is identified as a medical alert tag. The user can update the information as needed to provide current information to emergency personnel through any computer system.

The newest technology allows the user to carry stickers with an NFC Tag.[4] A similar technology allows the user to carry stickers with a QR code. By scanning the NFC Tag or the QR code with a smartphone, you will reach the stored medical alert information. Apple's IOS 8 operating system includes the facility for a mobile phone to contain the owner's medical emergency information.

Silicone bracelets, preprinted with a general medical condition or allergy, are also popular. The lack of personalization may be a deterrent. Recently patients have begun to "tattoo" their medical condition on their wrist or arm. Although a permanent tattoo might be considered, a temporary tattoo works as well. Other items include stick on tags that stick on to a driver's license, wallet, or cell phone which are practical for the person who does not want to carry something extra advertising their medical condition.[5]

Another type of medical jewelry is a pendant or wrist strap containing a wireless alert button, also known as a panic button, worn in the home as part of a wireless medical alert system. This type of medical jewelry sends a signal to a dialing console which contacts a medical alarm monitoring service or directly dials first responders[6] when an emergency occurs.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://fiddledeeids.com/medical-alert-tags.html
  2. ↑ http://lifetag.com/store/p/2570-5-Pack-LIFETAG-Medical-ID=Stick-ons.aspx
  3. ↑ "USB IDs created by American Medical ID" April 2012.
  4. ↑ "In-Case-of-Emergency QR & NFC stickers by Taggisar" October 2013.
  5. ↑ http://www.lifetag.com
  6. ↑ http://www.primemedicalalert.com