If you or a loved one has a chronic medical condition, a serious allergy, or needs to take a number of prescriptions every day, it may be wise to consider some sort of Medical Alert accessory. Medical IDs allow first responders to have quick and easy access to critical information, something that may play a significant role in their ability to help administer care and contact an emergency contact. Medical IDs are so common that EMS personnel are trained to look for some sort of ID at the neck and wrist.
Medical IDs should be worn at all times. This helps to ensure that EMS personnel are able to respond to any situation effectively, regardless of when or where an accident takes place. Because these IDs will be worn so much, special care needs to be given to the type of accessory chosen. They need to be a style that the wearer will appreciate and wear, but they also need to be durable enough to withstand the stresses of everyday life.
Custom v. Generic
Generic IDs are okay if the wearer only has one or two medical conditions, but they really can’t compare to a custom Medical ID. Custom Medical IDs allow the wearer to easily communicate their name, conditions, allergies, medications, or emergency contacts. They can say anything the wearer needs them to, and offer more precise guidance than a generic ID would.
Below are a few types of Medical IDs:
Interchangeable Medical IDs
Interchangeable Medical IDs have an ID plate conveying all of the information the wearer needs that can be placed on different bracelet bands. This is helpful for people who do not want to wear the same exact bracelet everyday. They can have styles for casual-wear, formal attire, or even outdoor adventures. Interchangeable Medical IDs give the wearer plenty of freedom.
Medical ID Cuffs
Medical ID Cuffs are not as versatile as an Interchangeable Medical IDs, but they do have their benefits. For wearers who have to deal with swelling in the wrists, they are a great, flexible alternative. They also have the added benefit of being easy to put on and take off.
Medical Bracelets with USBs
For wearers who have a lot of information they want EMS personnel to have on file, Medical bracelets with USBs are great options. While information is not available at a glance, EMS Personnel only have to plug the device into a computer to retrieve the extensive amounts of information the wearer can store. Many Medical bracelets with USBs are also water-resistant, so wearers can put the bracelet on and go about their day worry-free.
Medical ID Necklaces
Medical ID Necklaces are great for anybody who doesn’t want to wear a bracelet. Necklaces can be hidden easier and oftentimes have more engraved information than a bracelet would. They’re also slightly easier to access than a bracelet and are another great option for wearer’s who’s wrists swell.
Wearers also need to give special attention to the materials they choose for their ID:
Medical ID Bracelet Bands
Medical ID bracelets can come in most any style that a regular bracelet would. Metal links are common, traditional options. For those who like a little more personality in their accessories, leather and beaded options are not hard to find. For the more athletic wearers, silicone and paracord are great choices. No matter who’s wearing a Medical ID Bracelet, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Metals
There are a variety of metals that wearer’s can choose from. Stainless steel is very common because of its cheaper price and durability. On the other hand, some wearers will opt for a dressier option, such as sterling silver or 10k gold. At the end of the day, the wearer should choose something that fits their lfiestyle.
