Road ID...Anybody got one?

[woohoo]

I have the watch-strap version of the original Road ID and use it as the strap on my heart rate monitor. Mine has a reflective strip so it's even useful for helping cars see you signaling on the bike at night!

[OakLeaf]

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 #.

[denny]

I have the interactive Road ID bracelet. I wear it on a necklace as jewellery as I have the front etched with a cross. Ummh..believe it or not, my other ID bracelet was made at Walmart for $5 bucks where you can make pet ID's. I have the same info on the back as my more expensive Road ID. I'll be etching a personalized design on that one as soon as I get the time, but it works just fine.

[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!).

[arielmoon]

I got an ankle one in pink. It sits on my sock so I never really notice it unless I put in on too loose and it slides up above the sock. I did not end up needing it on my recent trip to the ER but I was glad I had it.

[sundial]

I took a nasty fall on my mtb and had I been unconscious, the road id would have saved my bacon.

Another alternative to the road i.d is to go to an army surplus store and have a dog tag made.

[msincredible]

I couldn't do the ICE thing on my phone, as it locks out (it's a company-provided blackberry), so I put a label on the back that says "If found please call xxx-xxx-xxxx or yyy-yyy-yyyy".

I actually first did it because I misplaced my phone a couple of times and realized that someone who found it would not be able to call any of my contacts, but then I realized it could come in handy in other situations too.

I used to have a MedicAlert necklace but got annoyed with the chain, I kinda like that shoe ID idea.