Road ID

[NoNo]

I've also been thinking of getting one of these, but I have a different problem (sorry for the thread hijack): which one to get? I don't even wear a watch because I don't like things on my wrist, banging around every time I put my hand down. On a hot day, I doubt I'll be comfortable with the dog tags sticking to me. I was thinking the ankle style, but wasn't sure if it rubbed or impeded the natural movement at all. So what does everyone here use and how does it work for you?

[Aquila]

I'm like you about not wanting things on my wrist (or ankle). I use the one that you stick through your shoe lace. I only notice it because the color's bright when I tie my shoe. I'd get cranky with something on my wrist or ankle, I think.

[kerrybelle]

I'm not sure which style to get, either. I think the wrist or ankle band would be best and easily seen, but not sure about taking it on and off all the time. In theory you could wear the 'dog' tag style all the time, not sure I would though.

[Grog]

I have a traditional Fixx (dogtag).

I live in Canada, which would probably not be an issue with the interactive version, but I just don't want the emergency work to depend on a phone call. I'd rather pay another $20 when the information changes... (which is not very often)...

[Harley]

Milkbone..
what do you think is the best information to have on these id's?
allergies, medical problems are important but what else?
name, age, birth date, blood type, contact phone numbers, insurance info?

thanks for your input.

[KnottedYet]

I'm putting "hypoglycemia" front and center on my new one. Cuz I get *very* weird when my blood sugar crashes. I get so lost, I don't even know enough to tell someone with me that I need to eat. And I can't remember that I need to eat. And even if food is put right in front of me, I can't decide what to eat. (at this point, I have a very well-trained sweetie, who will administer glucose tabs or Clif Bloks as needed)

Milkbone: What is better, "hypoglycemia" or "low blood sugar"?

[milkbone]

Milkbone: What is better, "hypoglycemia" or "low blood sugar"?[/QUOTE]

Milkbone..
what do you think is the best information to have on these id's?
allergies, medical problems are important but what else?
name, age, birth date, blood type, contact phone numbers, insurance info?

thanks for your input.
Yesterday 06:26 PM


For hypoglycemia or low blood sugar - either or would be fine, low blood sugar might be better just in case someone with no medical knowledge can easily recognize and pronounce it to the dispatcher what it says, when we get to a patient that isn't acting right, getting a BGL is one of the first things we do.

In MY OPINION, (you still have to make up your own mind), If I were to get one I'd have my name, allerigies, any critical medical problems (asthma, seizures, diabetic, etc), and maybe just a phone number.

Blood Type could be a good idea, but a dr will want to get the lab to crossmatch anyway if there is enough time, and they can also use Type O blood for anyone (universal donor). But it couldn't hurt to put it on there.

Hope this helps everyone, just remember this is only my opinion. Don't take what I say as gospel, all EMS systems are different, maybe get in contact with your local Emergency Operations Center (County Level usually), they my be able to suggest any specifics they might want as well.

[kerrybelle]

Thanks for the info Milkbone! Your input is very useful, even if it's not gospel.

I was thinking about having my blood type on mine, since I'm O Positive. I don't have any allergies or serious medical conditions, but I do wear hard contacts.

Kerry

[solobiker]

Thanks for starting this post. I have been thinking about getting one for sometime now.

[KnottedYet]

I wear my ankle one all the time.

Add the wrist one when I ride.

[milkbone]

I'm a paramedic and to me, if you are badly injured I am not going to be taking the time to look for your ID, thats Highway Patrols job or PD, what we will look for is any medical alert ID tags, the wrist band are usually best because they are more noticable.

If you get injured and are a bad enough trauma, all your clothes are getting cut off anyway.

It may not be the best idea for everyone but the military dog tags you would wear around your neck would probably stand out the most, or a wrist bracelet. Any info not on an actual medical alert tag will (at least for us here) wait until you get to the ER, Allergies to medications or severe allergies(bees), seizure disorders, diabetics, of anyone with a known heart condition or other serioius condition would greatly benefit from a highly visible medical alert tag.

The ER would most likely use any information found on an ID tag, EMS would use any info for medical alerts.

Hope this info helps, if you come up with any other specific questions that you think I might be able to help with just let me know.

Kerry

[RoadRaven]

what we will look for is any medical alert ID tags, the wrist band are usually best because they are more noticable.

This is interesting... we had a similar thread a year or so ago, and one of our riders worked in ER, and she suggested the ankle as the best place...

So ankle or wrist it is...

[F8th637]

Plus, if you are wearing it on your ankle, the movement of your legs may get you more noticed.

http://commutebybike.com/2008/05/07/...t-you-noticed/

[CATWOMAN]

I've had my basic one for a year now. Mine is so basic that when I had an issue with one of the contacts on it, I took a sharpie and crossed out his name and number I love the basic because it allows a loved one to know I'm in trouble at the same time as being able to convey important information about me to a hospital or whatever.

Don't forget about putting emergency contact numbers under (In Case of Emergency) ICE 1, ICE 2, .... in your cell phone address book. We were informed of this in Georgia; don't know if it was a national thing or just local.

[spindizzy]

I have also been thinking about getting one as I keep misplacing my drivers license..in my jersey, my saddlebag, back in my wallet...I've also had a very morbid (but kinda' funny) thought. Don't mind them around my ankle but with my luck I'd be involved in something that would cause the loss of the leg..and the id.