ID for Riding?

[Jolt]

ID in a seat bag or pocket can be helpful, but I've heard that EMTs won't go through your stuff looking for ID. (Can anyone confirm or deny this?) Better to wear the ID where it can't be missed (wrists or neck) IMO. The insurance card and driver's license are good backup though, and I carry copies of both in my seatbag.

Well, I think the big thing is that if you're in that bad of shape, looking for ID will not be high on the priority list--they will be concerned with stabilizing you and getting your butt to the hospital for definitive treatment. So it's quite likely that they won't go through your stuff looking for it. When I was a volunteer EMT I didn't have any calls where the patient was unconscious with nobody to speak for them, so I never personally encountered that situation, but if I did I sure wouldn't be thinking about digging around for ID.

[Kalidurga]

Well, I think the big thing is that if you're in that bad of shape, looking for ID will not be high on the priority list--they will be concerned with stabilizing you and getting your butt to the hospital for definitive treatment. So it's quite likely that they won't go through your stuff looking for it. When I was a volunteer EMT I didn't have any calls where the patient was unconscious with nobody to speak for them, so I never personally encountered that situation, but if I did I sure wouldn't be thinking about digging around for ID.

If I remember correctly, that's one of the points made at the RoadID website. They also mention that an EMT isn't going to take the time to look in the phone book for a number to call if all you've got on you is a driver's license. That's what impressed me so much about RoadID-- the information at the website is very clear regarding what sort of information will really be helpful to an EMT or police officer, and what sorts of abbreviations can be used to fit the info on your id.

[ny biker]

I have the bracelet RoadID and wear it every time I ride. It's perfectly comfortable. I have it to avoid the Jane Doe scenario as well as listing medical info (asthma and allergic to penicillin).

I also have a couple of ICE entries in my cell phone, and I have a small wallet in my bike bag with my drivers license, insurance card, credit card and some cash.

[mayanorange]

My SIL sent me the RoadID website and I immediately thought of this tag that is a hit with the furballs:
www.collartags.com
Those DIYers out there or those with reflective ankle bands already can just get the tag and attach to whatever.

[Jiffer]

I have a Road ID that I don't wear. I stick it in my bike bag. But I always have my phone in the back pocket of my jersey. All anyone has to do is call one of the top names on my "favorites" page. I think nurses, etc. are used to doing that sort of thing.

I have heard (on this site, I think) that medical people look for contacts on your phone that say ICE ... for "In Case of Emergency". I used to have an ICE1 contact my husband's number and an ICE2 contact with my home number. But then, every time my husband would call me, my phone said ICE1 instead of his name! So, I deleted my ICE numbers.

[Flur]

Don't count on your phone. I just lost my phone this morning - it fell out of my partially unzipped bike bag on to the trail. It's now completely dead from the impact, no screen images, nothing. If I'd gone down and I was depending on my phone to give my info, I'd be in a lot of trouble.

[Madride]

Thanks for the ideas everybody! I will probably get one of the road ID bracelets, those look pretty good.

[milkbone]

Hey everyone,

I read most of the posts...I'm a medic here in NC..this is my personal opinion... Road ID would be nice, especially any life threatening allergies (not hayfever, etc..) sulfa, morphine, pcn, etc... diabetes, seizures, cardiac problems, etc... name, phone number are good for the cops..

I have encountered (unfortunately) too many pts that didn't make it or were unconscious upon our arrival, ID at that point in time, not important to me, to cops yes, however they can wait until I get you to an ED.

Sorry to be morbid...but it is a horrible feeling to have a pt with no id and you and the cops are searching them, their moped/bike, anything to figure out who they are, so you can let someone know they won't be coming home again. So even your drivers license in you back shirt pocket or a saddle bag..

If you are a trauma then everything, I mean everything is coming off...a visible id that won't get mistaken for jewlery/decoration is a great idea...

If you are a diabetic, have a seizure disorder, asthma, severe reaction to bee stings, etc...that would be a top thing to have on the ID...

Hope this helps...let me know if I can answer anything else...I will do my best..

Safe cycling,

[RolliePollie]

I carry a photocopy of my ID and insurance card, my contact info, blood type, allergies, etc. on a bright orange index card in my seatbag. I have my name and "emergency info in bike seat bag" written on the inside of my helmet with a permanent ink marker. My helmet is always on my head and my seat bag is always on my bike...I never have to worry about forgetting to take my ID and info with me. This is a bargain basement approach to the "Road ID" idea

[TrekTheKaty]

And another thing--I have a friend who's DH has Lou Gehrig's. She is appalled at the condition of many hospital emergency rooms. She preaches to everyone who will listen not to leave a family member at a hospital without an "advocate." She has insisted on medication, mopped the dirty floor and helped nurses insert an IV (she's not a doctor, but went to vet school). She is also in my phone as an ICE--she doesn't want any of her friends, even falling asleep in a hospital without someone standing by their bed.

Also, just because you carry a driver's license doesn't mean they can instantly find the cell phone number of a relative or husband. My husband also travels for a living, so my sister (who lives locally) is also on my RoadID. If they leave a message at our home, or my husband's cell--it could be up to 4 hours before he got the message (if his cell phone battery isn't dead). Just food for thought..........

[LoriO]

I have the RoadID wrist bracelet, and don't even notice it when I ride. I also wear it when I go trail riding on my horse by myself. I also have an index card with basic emergency information that I keep in my saddle bag on my bike. That way if my bike and I get seperated for some reason there is information with my and with my bike.

Speaking as a former firefighter and MRT and current 911 dispatcher I can give a basice idea of what would happen at hte scene. The medics are going to be concerned with immediate treatment and are not going to go searching through your bike bags for info BUT usually that is something that the investigating police officer will take care of. Medics are trained to look for medic alert bracelets/necklaces so they should find the RoadID quickly. Again, while the treating medic may not have the time to call RoadID (for those with the interactive version) there is usually someone else on scene (firefighter, police officer, etc) that can make the call and relay the necessary info to the medics.

I love the peace of mind it gives me knowing that emergency personnel can get my medical info and emergency contact info immediately. I always attach my bracelet to my helmet after every ride that way I always have it.