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.