Road ID...Anybody got one?

[Heifzilla]

I don't think putting it on the helmet strap is a good idea. If you're incapacitated a helmet is likely to be cut off so they can get you onto a backboard, and left at the scene.

There's an ongoing thread about this on one of the motorcycle boards I'm on, and the consensus from several EMTs is that they do not look for this stuff. At all. They will stabilize you and get you to a hospital is all. I think you do want it when you get to the hospital, though. They will need a next of kin (or medical POA) to make decisions, drug allergy info, and an insurance #.

I wonder if paramedics look for this stuff (versus EMTs). Because I have serious drug allergies and if a paramedic gives me any of these drugs it can kill me (and these are fairly common drugs, too). EMTs, on the other hand, can't administer drugs. So, I would hope paramedics look for these.

[Marissa]

I wonder if paramedics look for this stuff (versus EMTs). Because I have serious drug allergies and if a paramedic gives me any of these drugs it can kill me (and these are fairly common drugs, too). EMTs, on the other hand, can't administer drugs. So, I would hope paramedics look for these.

I'm an ICU nurse and have worked in the ER. Although paramedics can give drugs, it's really pretty rare that drugs are given en route--the main purpose of EMS is to secure and transport. In my experience, they do look for necklaces and bracelets, but they're not going to go digging around through backpacks and such because their focus is safe transport, and they just don't have time for digging. So yes, if they're about to give you a medication they'll look for a bracelet or necklace, they just don't give drugs often. Generally when paramedics are transporting from accident to hospital, the drugs most often given are morphine, ACLS drugs such as epinephrine, and of course nitroglycerin but that's rarely an issue for bike accidents. If you're in a trauma you might get morphine on the way, but mostly they'll be giving fluids to support your blood pressure. You don't have to worry about being given penicillin in an ambulance.

At the hospital, however, we'll take as much information as we can get! And yes, we'll look through anything and everything but it's really best to have is easily visible, such as a necklace or bracelet. I love the idea of the RoadID that gives more information when you call or go online. If you really want to be thorough, I'd suggest the following information:

Name, date of birth, drug allergies (it's a good idea to include the reaction, because there's a significant difference between nausea and say, anaphylactic shock), current medications including the dose, pharmacy and pharmacy's phone number, your physician and his/her phone number, previous injuries, surgeries and illnesses, emergency contact information, and the name of your Power of Attorney for Healthcare (you should have one!).