Wednesday, September 30, 2009

General Health Topic - Emergency ID

Hello Everyone,

I was going to include this topic in my last post on Medical ID. However, since it is such an important topic, it deserves it's own article.

My last topic was on the importance or wearing Medical ID if you have a medical condition that warrants it. This topic is on wearing identification even if you do not have a medical problem.

Are you a jogger, cyclist or walker? Do you go to the gym, leave your ID in your car or in the locker? If so, you need to be wearing some type of sports ID.

There have been at least 2 incidences in the area where ID could have been helpful.

1. A man was struck by a vehicle while running. When he was taken to the local trauma center, he was unrecognizable due to his injuries. He did not have any ID on him and he was probably listed as a "John Doe". The doctors and nurses working frantically to save his life did not recognize him. Unfortunately, the patient died from his injuries. As it turned out, the patient worked in that emergency room.

2. A young man was out running and was hit by a vehicle. I am not sure but he may have died on the scene or later. However, he did not have any ID and it took authorities 5+ hours to identify the person

These are just two examples to show that carrying ID is important. In these two incidences, the ID would not have saved their lives. However, it would have been easier for the authorities to notify the men's emergency contacts.

An ID used while exercising should have your name, allergies, medical conditions, emergency contact information, doctors name and any other information that may be important.

There are sports ID that attach to the running shoe, wrist bands, ankle bands, cycling helmet stickers. I prefer to use the type that attaches to my running shoes. That way I don't have to remember to put anything on.

Many sports ID products also have reflective material to make the wearer more visible.

Even in the gym, wear an ID on your person. If you collapse after a hard session on the elliptical trainer, an ID in your locker will not help you!

There are many companies that provide sport ID products. make the small investment and be safe.

One last thought / comment. In at least one of the examples above, the jogger was wearing headphones.

DON'T WEAR HEADPHONES WHILE YOU ARE OUT RUNNING OR CYCLING!!!!!!!!!!

It is not safe. You need to be aware of your surroundings, cars, people, other runners, cyclists etc.

Until later,

Dr. Paul

General Health Topics - Medical Identification

Hello Everyone,

It has been a while since I have written about this topic. However, several things have happened in the area which brings the topic to the forefront.

Wearing medical ID is so important and it is a potentially life saving practice. Are you diabetic, have a pacemaker, defibrillator or other heart condition? Do you have asthma, epilepsy or on anti-coagulation medicine? If you have any of these or other medical conditions, you need to let people know.

One of the easiest ways to notify people that you have a condition that requires special attention in the event of an emergency, is to be wearing some sort of medical ID.

For example, a gentleman is in the grocery store and faints suddenly. The bystanders come to his aid and the first thought may be that he has had a heart attack. The paramedics are called and they arrive in a few minutes but the patient has not revived. He is taken to a local hospital when he makes a full recovery.

Taking the same scenario, a gentleman goes down in the grocery store. This time he is wearing a medical ID bracelet that identifies him as having diabetes. This information is relayed to the paramedics. Since a common problem with diabetics is having an episode of LOW blood sugar (hypoglycemia), this could alert bystanders or emergency personnel that the first step to take would be to try to revive the patient with glucose. The patient is administered a dose of glucose in the store, he recovers and a trip to the hospital may not be necessary.

The Medical ID can be in the form of a bracelet, pendant or watch tag. I recommend that the ID be something that you wear, not just in your pocket. There are wallet cards, key fobs and other types, however, in the case of emergency, you may not have your wallet or keys on your person.

There are many companies that can provide you a Medical ID. They are not free, however, it is a good investment.

Please take a few minutes and obtain a Medical ID. It may save your life!

Until Later

Dr. Paul