ID bracelet

Medical ID

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-19 13:04:47

It's a good idea to have either a bracelet or or necklace so an EMT realizes that you're paced. And meds they should know about should be on it, too.  I'd limit the information to what an EMT would need  if you can't talk.  Drugs like anticoagulants and beta blockers would be important. An EMT isn't going to go through your wallet in an emergency but might look at a marked tag.

I have both a bracelet and dog tag starting that I'm on Eliquis, am PM dependent,  no escape rhythm,  and AV dyssynchrony (explaining the odd heart beats).

I'm with Swangirl !

by IAN MC - 2018-10-19 13:33:09

You are right this has been asked many times;  in fact a poll has been done here in the PM club. The finding was that the majority of PM recipients do not see any need to have an ID bracelet  . I have just mentally listed friends I know with PMs , I now know 5   ( one of them is a doctor  )  and none of them have ID bracelets !

BUT what has become apparent is that anyone who raises the question on here seems to have already decided to get one  ..   so if that applies to you, then go for it !

If I was on blood thinners or, or if I had an ICD...   I MAY consider it ;  but just having a  PM ...... I really don't see the point . I don't wear a helmet to protect me from asteroids either.

I bet you get one !

Ian

Medical ID bracelets

by LondonAndy - 2018-10-19 13:48:21

Yes, been asked many times.  There is a not-very-obvious search buttton (a magnifying glass) top right of the screen you can use to see the comments.

Last time I posted my comment was along the lines that I wouldn't bother just for a pacemaker, but as I have other conditions I do.  You can see that thread at https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/33635 

ID Bracelet

by Brojeffrey - 2018-10-19 13:57:54

I'm a nurse and I have a PM. I wear an ID bracelet because I want EMTs and nursing personnel to know I have a PM and what conditions I have in the case I can't speak for myself. With medical personnel in a hospital setting the question also comes up if this lump in the chest is a PM or a port site for chemo. If I can't speak for myself for any reason I want doctors and nursing staff to know exactly what that lump is without having to do an xray. If you feel that a bracelet exposes too much personal info, wear a necklace under your clothes. The info is still available to medical personnel and your privacy will be preserved. Problem solved. 

ID Bracelet

by Violet West - 2018-10-19 21:16:11

If you ask around, about half of the people say you need one, and half say you don't.  Only you can make that decision for your condition.

I did get one because I have AFIB and am still at risk of stroke.  I just kept thinking about what if I do have a stroke and am lying there unable to move or speak. 

I am also experimenting with determining what could be done in such an emergency; i.e., with phone apps or voice-activated assistants like Alexa.

Mine just says Pacemaker and Blood Thinners and lists my name and my emergency contact.  I got a really nice one from an online seller (don't know what the policy is here about naming vendors. )  

I'm not too worried about privacy, because someone would have to grab my arm and turn the bracelet over to read it.

Policy for naming vendors

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-20 00:36:06

I don't know what the policy is but it's better to ask forgiveness than...

If you poke the "Shop=>Affialiates=>Medical ID" buttons (above), you'll find Sticky-J.  I've found they're quite good and cheaper than American Medical ID, which is also good but a bit more expensive.

Travel considerations....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-10-21 11:37:20

If you travel outside of your area it would probably be a good idea.  I've driven 5 hours out to the mountains alone or 10 hours from NC up to NJ alone.  If something happens locally I'm not worried as they would quickly find my info, however, on those trips, they might not find it. I'm planning on getting one but have not done so yet, and also not done one of those long trips recently.

Just my 2 cents.  

Travel

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-22 10:31:25

When an EMT is involved, there is no "quickly finding" medical information. Seconds may matter. Not saying that a pacemaker is enough reason, alone (though if the paddles are coming out,  I'd prefer they missed the box).

medical bracelets

by hopefulhearted - 2018-10-22 10:36:30

I wear them and I feel a little safer as a result. 

ID bracelet

by Jacque - 2018-11-08 12:29:27

I’ve been wearing a RoadID for years since I’m a runner/walker and often out on the road with no identifying information.  I wear it 24/7 now that I have the pacemaker.I updated the ID shortly after getting my pacemaker to include that essential information.  It will quickly alert first responders and provides information on my family contacts as well.  I recommend RoadID highly.  In fact, they are currently having a sale.

ID bracelet

by Jacque - 2018-11-08 12:30:15

I’ve been wearing a RoadID for years since I’m a runner/walker and often out on the road with no identifying information.  I wear it 24/7 now that I have the pacemaker.I updated the ID shortly after getting my pacemaker to include that essential information.  It will quickly alert first responders and provides information on my family contacts as well.  I recommend RoadID highly.  In fact, they are currently having a sale.