Medical Bracelet - good idea or not?

[ebikeerwidnes]

I have seen programmes on the TV where paramedcis know to look in the fridge so that is a good thing

 

[youngoldbloke]

I used to wear an ICE bracelet all the time, but having been admitted to A&E a couple times with serious problems, potentially life threatening, and noting that no notice was taken of the bracelet, I've stopped wearing one. My medications have been changed a number of times too making information on the bracelet redundant. Perhaps if I had been unconscious and alone the bracelet may have been consulted. I always carry ICE information when out anyway, and have an ICE number in my phone.

 

[AlanW]

I always carry ICE information when out anyway, and have an ICE number in my phone.

I have now updated all my medical history, medication data, NHS number and ICE contact details on my phone now. I think that's as good as anything as its all available to view even if the screen is locked.

 

[Time Waster]

I was told they don't take any notice of it and will still cross match

Well there could have been the case of a few soldiers pinning a colleague down and tattoing the wrong blood type onto his arm. I think most army medics probably would spot a few other issues with blood type tattoes and prefer to type for their own professional protection.

 

[Time Waster]

Quick question, how does a paramedic or doctor know that the medical bracelet is accurate, up to date and relevant to the condition of the patient? I wonder whether any medical information is usefull? With the way the UK NHS has the ability to share medical records quickly across the whole of the UK they are even necessary. Once the medic has your name and other identification details such as DOB, etc then they can access your full medical records anyway. So what does a bracelet with medical info offer anyway these days??

This is a serious question because like a blood type tattoo would a medic take the medical info on a bracelet, bottle in a fridge without checking in the patient's medical records anyway? If the info was wrong and harm was caused the medic could be sued in the modern litigious world. I think most medics these days have at least part of their thinking on covering their behind!!

My only ICE information is my next of kin. I record my partner as ICE then the name in phones and paper based organisation systems I use and carry. I am likely to have my wallet with cards and photo ID in there (driving licence) so I am identifiable which means medical records are available. If I was coherent and with my phone I could even access my NHS account and give it to them myself!!!

 

[oxoman]

Normally something live changing or limiting. I carry eithe a BC card or Parkrun card with various info on, this is without SOS info on phone. Never bothered until started having BP issues and a couple of solo near misses off road.

 

[presta]

With the way the UK NHS has the ability to share medical records quickly across the whole of the UK they are even necessary. Once the medic has your name and other identification details such as DOB, etc then they can access your full medical records anyway.

From A&E consultant Dr Gordon Caldwell:

"Within the National Health Service you might assume that the Doctor at your side in the hospital has ready access to all your important health information. In general, nothing could be further from the truth.....it could take the doctor at your side hours, days or sometimes never, to find out this crucial information"


View: https://x.com/doctorcaldwell/status/1281131364801265664

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Quick question, how does a paramedic or doctor know that the medical bracelet is accurate, up to date and relevant to the condition of the patient? I wonder whether any medical information is usefull? With the way the UK NHS has the ability to share medical records quickly across the whole of the UK they are even necessary. Once the medic has your name and other identification details such as DOB, etc then they can access your full medical records anyway. So what does a bracelet with medical info offer anyway these days??

This is a serious question because like a blood type tattoo would a medic take the medical info on a bracelet, bottle in a fridge without checking in the patient's medical records anyway? If the info was wrong and harm was caused the medic could be sued in the modern litigious world. I think most medics these days have at least part of their thinking on covering their behind!!

My only ICE information is my next of kin. I record my partner as ICE then the name in phones and paper based organisation systems I use and carry. I am likely to have my wallet with cards and photo ID in there (driving licence) so I am identifiable which means medical records are available. If I was coherent and with my phone I could even access my NHS account and give it to them myself!!!

I heard (or read) something where a doctor said that they ignore anything like that unless time requires a quick answer
e.g. if you have a major bleed and it will take several minutes to check the blood type then they would assume the bracelet or whatever is correct until they can check properly

but if there is time and facilities - then they check properly and ignore the other information

 

[simongt]

I wear a dog tag with the extra info on.

So do I, but the only drawback is that paramedics will look for a cellphone, wrist band / bracelet first. Not sure it occurs to them to look for dogtags or a necklace.
When I was in an RTA, and after I came to, I pulled my dogtags out for them and assembled emergency crews were most impressed - !

 

[simongt]

But I'm probably going to get a medical bracelet as a backup, but am going to wait until after my two ops; hernia & aneurysms in case my permanent medication changes.

 

[classic33]

Quick question, how does a paramedic or doctor know that the medical bracelet is accurate, up to date and relevant to the condition of the patient? I wonder whether any medical information is usefull? With the way the UK NHS has the ability to share medical records quickly across the whole of the UK they are even necessary. Once the medic has your name and other identification details such as DOB, etc then they can access your full medical records anyway. So what does a bracelet with medical info offer anyway these days??

This is a serious question because like a blood type tattoo would a medic take the medical info on a bracelet, bottle in a fridge without checking in the patient's medical records anyway? If the info was wrong and harm was caused the medic could be sued in the modern litigious world. I think most medics these days have at least part of their thinking on covering their behind!!

My only ICE information is my next of kin. I record my partner as ICE then the name in phones and paper based organisation systems I use and carry. I am likely to have my wallet with cards and photo ID in there (driving licence) so I am identifiable which means medical records are available. If I was coherent and with my phone I could even access my NHS account and give it to them myself!!!

Two things to consider in that piece in bold,
1) If you're not able to answer the questions asked, they can fall back on the information on the bracelet/dog tag.
2) Allergies to medications is one that until they access your records they won't know. Especially paramedics at the scene, trying to stabilize you in the event of injury serious enough for them to be needed there in the first place.

I've firsthand experience of both, and of what can happen when not being able to give an answer.
Painkillers can't be taken due to anti-epileptic medication being taken, and severe reactions that can make a bad situation a whole lot worse if given.

24th September last year, I'd a seizure/fit/call it what you want, that started outside. I "came to" in the kitchen, looking down at a dark red patch on the ground. Then there's another, and another..., I'm also sore. Aware of where I need to be, A&E. I remember being outside, locking the door then being on a bus. The driver of which could see what I couldn't. Blood coming from a bust skull, covering most of my upper half.
In my left trouser pocket, was my card and the slip of printed paper with my details on it. What I was on, and why, and just as important what not to give. I'd put them in my pocket when I changed my clothes, along with a mobile phone long stay in A&E ahead.

All of the above done on autopilot, with the simple job of getting to the hospital without taking an ambulance away from someone who really needed it. I was mobile after all.

 

[Gwylan]

Like this:

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