ID for Riding?

[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

[bikerchic]

I have a shoe ID not from the company listed but one I've had for years. I took it off my road shoes, weight ya know, the darn thing kept flopping around and annoyed the heck out of me.

I opted for putting my ID info in my helmet but ya know what after reading through this thread I'm rethinking that idea....um if I crashed my little pumpkin head will get pretty mangled and I doubt with the blood and guts anyone could read the ID anyway.

I guess I will have to plop down some bucks and get some practical jewelry, yeah that's what I'll tell hubby too, practical jewelry hum this could be a new phrase in my vocab! LOL

Good idea, good thread and thanks to LoriO for the on the scene advise good stuff!

[DebTX]

I've carried a copy of my drivers license and insurance card in my jersey pocket - always figuring the ER staff would eventually get around to looking for a wallet to notify next of kin.

But I never thought about that in a trauma they're going to cut my clothes off and never find it.

Liking the idea of the wristband (Road ID) more and more now...

Thanks for all the info!

[KnottedYet]

I'm thinking about getting some "everyday" alert ID from these folks: http://www.americanmedical-id.com/ They have some nice stuff, and their prices aren't bad.

They also have little medic alert "look for it" charms that you can attach to your watch or necklace so folks know to search you for an ID plate that might be on a bracelet or anklet, or otherwise hidden.

My RoadID is still gonna be on me every time I ride or run, though. More ID, more better!

[BabyBlueNTulsa]

I got my interactive RoadID anklet (giggle-practical jewelry..nice!) a few months ago and it sure is a comfort not to worry about things..

Part of my interactive notes tell the person that I have four furry children at home and a name/number of the person I've pre-arranged to take care of them. Also it gives an easy clue to my mom/sister on where to find a copy of my will and/or advance directive,,whichever the case may be.


ON THE LIGHTER SIDE..... Mine has a saying on it "Attitude = Altitude"

[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.

[KnottedYet]

I have the Road ID bracelet and anklet. I wear the anklet most of the time, and the bracelet much like everyone else: it lives on my helmet straps and I put it on every time the helmet goes on.

My ID were made before the interactive one was available, so they have my doctor's 24-hr number on them so EMT/Emergency room folks can call to get my medical records, insurance info, etc.

Road ID is a great company, I have absolutely no complaints about them. Their customer service is wonderful, and once they gave TE members a discount (for a month). If someone who hasn't bought Road ID wants to take on a project, they could contact the company and ask for another month-long valid discount code so those who don't have them yet can order them cheap.

Trek420 has the dog-tag version and says it's very comfortable. She puts her old ones on her dog...

[Trek420]

What does your Road ID say? Mine says "don't tell me what I can't do"