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M$2.55
What medical information should you have on your person at all times and how should you carry it?
The majority of adults carry a driver's license or state ID card at all times. Either in their wallet, pocket, purse, or otherwise on their person when not at home. These ID's typically come with Birthday, Height, Weight, and identifying information included.
Most people do not carry any card or information useful in a medical emergency. What are their allergies, what medications are they taking, and what medical conditions are they prone to experiencing?
So what I would like to know are any sources you have on the best information to carry and the best way to carry it. Is there a company that you can send your info to and order printed cards from? What about printing your own cards, and laminating? Which is better, a single card, or a tri-fold? Should you list the times of day you take medicine, or just the dosing? Should you include your preferred health care providers (Doctors, DDS, Optometrist, hospital)?
I recently attended an appointment for an allergy consultation (turns out I have hay fever and mild allergic asthma). I had a hard time thinking of things I needed for the medial history form. That got me thinking about how little I remember about my family and what would happen if there were an emergency where I couldn't communicate.
I will leave this question open at least until September 24 for answers, thanks!
Most people do not carry any card or information useful in a medical emergency. What are their allergies, what medications are they taking, and what medical conditions are they prone to experiencing?
So what I would like to know are any sources you have on the best information to carry and the best way to carry it. Is there a company that you can send your info to and order printed cards from? What about printing your own cards, and laminating? Which is better, a single card, or a tri-fold? Should you list the times of day you take medicine, or just the dosing? Should you include your preferred health care providers (Doctors, DDS, Optometrist, hospital)?
I recently attended an appointment for an allergy consultation (turns out I have hay fever and mild allergic asthma). I had a hard time thinking of things I needed for the medial history form. That got me thinking about how little I remember about my family and what would happen if there were an emergency where I couldn't communicate.
I will leave this question open at least until September 24 for answers, thanks!
voted interesting: duenhsiyen M$0.05, jeffhoard M$0.50
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Carrying key medical information about yourself is crucial in assisting first responders during a medical emergency, when you might otherwise be unable to provide such basic information.
Basic information should include, but not be limited to:
Remember, this information is meant to provide crucial information to first responders when you are incapacitated. It could save your life.
Such information can be carried on clearly labeled Medical Information Cards, laminated and usually bi or tri folded depending on the length of your information.
The website:
http://www.medids.com/free-id.php
Offers a free and fully printable Medical Emergency Card which all you have to do is fill in your medical information on the user friendly online form, print, laminate and fold.
Flash memory based devices are also sold for the purpose of carrying your key medical information on your person. Some are designed to also function as a watch so as to be carried at all times on your wrist, or as a decorative charm on a neck chain. Information on these can be found at:
http://www.medids.com/Med-Flash-Medical-Records.html
Basic information should include, but not be limited to:
- Personal identification: full name, address, and phone number.
- Emergency contact person and person with power of attorney for personal care.
- Insurance information: record contact information for your provider.
- Name, address and phone number of primary care provider, such as the family doctor.
- Allergies, such as to codeine, morphine, penicillin, ASA (aspirin), X-ray contrast dye, insect bites, food products.
- Vaccinations, such as against smallpox, tetanus, flu and exotic diseases
- Medications, including herbal medications and non-prescription drugs (such as, for example, 81 mg prophylactic aspirin, which affects clotting time) currently being taken, including dosage and frequency.
- Chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arthritis, glaucoma, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, a heart condition including, for example, an abnormal EKG.
- Information regarding your vision, hearing, mobility and the like, such as the use of a hearing aid, contact lens or spectacles (record the prescription for your visual aids), removable dentures, canes, crutches and other aids.
- Other important medical conditions, such as the emplacement of a pacemaker.
Remember, this information is meant to provide crucial information to first responders when you are incapacitated. It could save your life.
Such information can be carried on clearly labeled Medical Information Cards, laminated and usually bi or tri folded depending on the length of your information.
The website:
http://www.medids.com/free-id.php
Offers a free and fully printable Medical Emergency Card which all you have to do is fill in your medical information on the user friendly online form, print, laminate and fold.
Flash memory based devices are also sold for the purpose of carrying your key medical information on your person. Some are designed to also function as a watch so as to be carried at all times on your wrist, or as a decorative charm on a neck chain. Information on these can be found at:
http://www.medids.com/Med-Flash-Medical-Records.html
source(s):
http://www.ralut.utoronto.ca/medical.html
http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090030729
http://www.medids.com/free-id.php
http://www.ralut.utoronto.ca/medical.html
http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090030729
http://www.medids.com/free-id.php
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Thank you all very much. I have taken a lot from this answer along with several things from other answers.
I would like to share this information with everyone here, you may view a shared copy of my Google Document at http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgzqbsh9_32d7f78dd6.
I would like to share this information with everyone here, you may view a shared copy of my Google Document at http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgzqbsh9_32d7f78dd6.
voted helpful: silverhammer, duenhsiyen, krysstel, ferg2kk, wy, chriswingate, leahcim, davepamn
I suggest typing and printing all of this on a light blue or yellow piece of 8.5x11 cardstock. Cut the sheet the same width as a credit card. Fold it 4 times to match the height of a credit card. Laminate it.
Carry the card in your wallet in front of your drivers license. The words "MY MEDICAL INFORMATION" should be clearly written and hopefully exposed while still in your wallet. If you're traveling, make a copy of this card and paperclip it in your passport.
List these things:
Allergies
Current Medications
Physician contact name, phone number, fax number, address
Key medical history points (ie: heart attack in 1999, broken left leg, 1991)
Medical insurance information
Travel insurance name and phone number
Who to contact in case of emergency
Family member names and phone numbers
Living will wishes (hand signed and dated)
Power of Attorney name and contact information
Organ Donor preferences
Anything else that you think may be generally pertinent. Most of the time, an initial assessment by a Doctor generally consists of 3 questions: What is causing you the most danger, what is your medical history, what medications are you on. In the event that your unconscious or can't otherwise communicate, listing the answers to the last two questions along with contact and critical information is important.
Your personal physician may have some additional insight into what to write on your med card. Often, there are small but important things contained in the historical medical file that can and should be included. Asking your Doctor for a quick peek at your chart and maybe his or her help to complete the card would be a great last step to this process.
Carry the card in your wallet in front of your drivers license. The words "MY MEDICAL INFORMATION" should be clearly written and hopefully exposed while still in your wallet. If you're traveling, make a copy of this card and paperclip it in your passport.
List these things:
Allergies
Current Medications
Physician contact name, phone number, fax number, address
Key medical history points (ie: heart attack in 1999, broken left leg, 1991)
Medical insurance information
Travel insurance name and phone number
Who to contact in case of emergency
Family member names and phone numbers
Living will wishes (hand signed and dated)
Power of Attorney name and contact information
Organ Donor preferences
Anything else that you think may be generally pertinent. Most of the time, an initial assessment by a Doctor generally consists of 3 questions: What is causing you the most danger, what is your medical history, what medications are you on. In the event that your unconscious or can't otherwise communicate, listing the answers to the last two questions along with contact and critical information is important.
Your personal physician may have some additional insight into what to write on your med card. Often, there are small but important things contained in the historical medical file that can and should be included. Asking your Doctor for a quick peek at your chart and maybe his or her help to complete the card would be a great last step to this process.
You made three good points that jumped out to me.
First, thanks for mentioning colored paper. That should make it stand out against the rest of my wallet's contents.
Second, you mention Living Will. Some states have legal considerations of a living will. How would you recommend expressing it on this card considering the limitation of space? Perhaps a summary and reference to a full Living Will (assuming you have one)?
Third, you mentioned the Power of Attorney. Again, do you know of any ways I should express this to ensure it is respected?
Thanks!
First, thanks for mentioning colored paper. That should make it stand out against the rest of my wallet's contents.
Second, you mention Living Will. Some states have legal considerations of a living will. How would you recommend expressing it on this card considering the limitation of space? Perhaps a summary and reference to a full Living Will (assuming you have one)?
Third, you mentioned the Power of Attorney. Again, do you know of any ways I should express this to ensure it is respected?
Thanks!
"you mention Living Will. Some states have legal considerations of a living will."
If you provide a very simple summary than the medical staff will do their best to verify those wishes in a legal form. So, if you were to say something like "I do not wish for any heroic measures to be taken to artificially resuscitate me", the Doctors would request further information from someone who can make decisions on your behalf. Hopefully they know where your legally binding living will is and can verbally acknowledge that it exists and the information on your card is correct.
"you mentioned the Power of Attorney. Again, do you know of any ways I should express this to ensure it is respected? "
Similar to a living will, all you need is a summary. This is an emergency card. It serves to let people know about you. It's not a replacement for your complete medical records or your legal documents. However, when there is an emergency noting that, "My Brother Will has complete and full power of attorney when I am incapacitated" will go a long way. Again, a full consent is needed, but a summary says that it exists.
If you provide a very simple summary than the medical staff will do their best to verify those wishes in a legal form. So, if you were to say something like "I do not wish for any heroic measures to be taken to artificially resuscitate me", the Doctors would request further information from someone who can make decisions on your behalf. Hopefully they know where your legally binding living will is and can verbally acknowledge that it exists and the information on your card is correct.
"you mentioned the Power of Attorney. Again, do you know of any ways I should express this to ensure it is respected? "
Similar to a living will, all you need is a summary. This is an emergency card. It serves to let people know about you. It's not a replacement for your complete medical records or your legal documents. However, when there is an emergency noting that, "My Brother Will has complete and full power of attorney when I am incapacitated" will go a long way. Again, a full consent is needed, but a summary says that it exists.
Your health card
Name of the medications you take regularly
Allergies if any
Your insurance information and the immediate person to be contacted.
Also, write down your blood group.
I think, a credit card size card is good.
At home you can have a file with all family members medical information. In case you can't communicate, this file is going to be helpful for the family.
Make sure it is always up to date.
Name of the medications you take regularly
Allergies if any
Your insurance information and the immediate person to be contacted.
Also, write down your blood group.
I think, a credit card size card is good.
At home you can have a file with all family members medical information. In case you can't communicate, this file is going to be helpful for the family.
Make sure it is always up to date.
I agree that these pendants are very helpful. However, they are typically reserved for people with life threatening, chronic conditions. That is not my case. I am just considering a reference for future doctor visits and sudden emergencies (car accident, choking incident).
I would suggest a special braclet with medical allergies and dr contant. This will give the quickest information for on site treatment and information for emergency room staff to check quickly.
I agree that these pendants are very helpful. However, they are typically reserved for people with life threatening, chronic conditions. That is not my case. I am just considering a reference for future doctor visits and sudden emergencies (car accident, choking incident).
Some of what you MUST carry depends on your health. First of all, you MUST carry some form of identification so that they may contact your family, or, if you have no family nearby, a friend whom you would trust with a medical power of attorney. Keep current phone numbers and addresses available. Many people DO use the "ICE", In Case of Emergency system in their cell phones, and list their emergency contact as ICE in their phone's address book. (This is fine, unless you lock your phone...)
If you have any allergies, or preexisting conditions, those NEED to be listed. In the best case scenario, the Medical alert jewelry, that stays on you 24/7 is the safest bet, as phones and other things can be separated from your body in a disastrous situation.
As someone with drug allergies, and a chronic condition that can mask other things, I could be tempted to tattoo that information where emergency physicians might see, but others would not. If my allergies were more severe than they are, I think that I might take such a drastic step.
For things that are not as life threatening as a severe accident, having a brief cheat sheet of what you have been diagnosed with, and when, what medical treatments that you are undergoing, and of course, your list of medications. You may not need to laminate it, as that MAY keep you from bothering to update it. You may do well to just have it in a plastic zipper bag in your wallet, if your treatments are changing. Having the names of any treating physicians, and where you have had any tests conducted might be in your best interest, if anyone ever needs a baseline to compare to.
If you have any allergies, or preexisting conditions, those NEED to be listed. In the best case scenario, the Medical alert jewelry, that stays on you 24/7 is the safest bet, as phones and other things can be separated from your body in a disastrous situation.
As someone with drug allergies, and a chronic condition that can mask other things, I could be tempted to tattoo that information where emergency physicians might see, but others would not. If my allergies were more severe than they are, I think that I might take such a drastic step.
For things that are not as life threatening as a severe accident, having a brief cheat sheet of what you have been diagnosed with, and when, what medical treatments that you are undergoing, and of course, your list of medications. You may not need to laminate it, as that MAY keep you from bothering to update it. You may do well to just have it in a plastic zipper bag in your wallet, if your treatments are changing. Having the names of any treating physicians, and where you have had any tests conducted might be in your best interest, if anyone ever needs a baseline to compare to.
voted helpful: ferg2kk
I agree that a tatoo is a very drastic step. However, i think medical technology has over taken that step by way of the sub-dermal medical records chip. A small thing injected in a standard place (such as the shoulder) which can be read and edited through the skin with a hand held reader. Although, adding a tatoo to identify the location of the chip might be needed.
I also like the comment about not lamenting as that deters updates. I had not thought of that.
I also like the comment about not lamenting as that deters updates. I had not thought of that.
Excellent point and excellent information both of you guys!!!
I have not seen in specific way probably the most important medical information a person should always have with him written in bold letters is his BLOOD TYPE.
this is important in case of emergency. This is the first information doctors would need, other info given by other answerer is also very essential. my blood type is on top of my medical information list i always carry with me.
this is important in case of emergency. This is the first information doctors would need, other info given by other answerer is also very essential. my blood type is on top of my medical information list i always carry with me.
voted helpful: ferg2kk
Good point, transfusions are a critical part of trauma care. However, I do not know my blood type off hand. I may have it recorded somewhere in my personal records, but I am not sure of this. Do you know of any good ways to find out my type?
I've never heard of a medical facility that will trust the blood type listed on documentation carried by the patient. The liability for errors is far too high, and typing is fast, and relatively inexpensive. Of course, in true emergency situations there is a high demand for O- blood, as that is the universal donor blood type, as it is acceptable by all blood types.
request your hospital for blood typing, they would issue a card with your blood type on it , certified by the hospital.
@Ferg2kk
What medical information should you have on you at all times ?
I would say it goes WITHOUT saying that you should always keep your blood type and atleast 1 ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone number contact in your phone.
Other information you MIGHT want to keep on you depending on your status or weather you are traveling. For instance if you are traveling to a hostile part of the world you may not want to keep clear emergency contact information, however a simple emergency contact NUMBER , (such as a GoogleVoice or SIP forward number) might be more pertinent to that location.
I would also recommend U Tag ICE USB dog tags.
( And possibly keeping a copy of your medical records on a highly secure locked down networked system. )
http://flyncycle-images.com/ca/utag/utag_01.jpg
They where one of the first to come out with these and have a associated application that goes along with them.
They are also cost affective and can be found in some places under 30$.
You can store whatever you want as far as notes or medical information on this flash drive, and on the other tag have etched any CRITICAL info , such as but not limited to Blood type, primary care physicians number, very basic insurance information.
Not many people realize as well, not everyone might WANT a blood transfusion or to be recessitated .
For instance if it is against your religion, faith, or spiritual beliefs.
I would include this on the etched tag, should you feel strongly about this.
http://thm-a03.yimg.com/image/259e25fcb29062dc
Its really a case by case bases. Especially for children.
Kind Regards,
@XDS
What medical information should you have on you at all times ?
I would say it goes WITHOUT saying that you should always keep your blood type and atleast 1 ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone number contact in your phone.
Other information you MIGHT want to keep on you depending on your status or weather you are traveling. For instance if you are traveling to a hostile part of the world you may not want to keep clear emergency contact information, however a simple emergency contact NUMBER , (such as a GoogleVoice or SIP forward number) might be more pertinent to that location.
I would also recommend U Tag ICE USB dog tags.
( And possibly keeping a copy of your medical records on a highly secure locked down networked system. )
They where one of the first to come out with these and have a associated application that goes along with them.
They are also cost affective and can be found in some places under 30$.
You can store whatever you want as far as notes or medical information on this flash drive, and on the other tag have etched any CRITICAL info , such as but not limited to Blood type, primary care physicians number, very basic insurance information.
Not many people realize as well, not everyone might WANT a blood transfusion or to be recessitated .
For instance if it is against your religion, faith, or spiritual beliefs.
I would include this on the etched tag, should you feel strongly about this.
http://thm-a03.yimg.com/image/259e25fcb29062dc
Its really a case by case bases. Especially for children.
Kind Regards,
@XDS
source(s):
U-Tag UICE
My experience in the medical feild.
Common sense.
U-Tag UICE
My experience in the medical feild.
Common sense.
voted helpful: ferg2kk
I hadn't taken into consideration traveling outside the US with my information. You do make a good point about being careful how much information I keep on me.
Thank you for the comment, It's greatly appreciated.
A good friend of mine keeps a PQI drive (one of the smallest USB drives available) (the kingston kingmax being the smallest) on him at all times and it houses all kinds of useful information , including a Live USB distribution like slax.
http://www.Slax.Org
I would also recommend Liberty Key 4.5 Ultimate, in a kind of "Dual Boot sequence" , In a tough situation a tiny usb flash drive might save your life.
http://www.LiberKey.com
Some are even water proof and no bigger than a stick of trident gum. :)
SOME even have a rubber housing and don't even show up on airport scanners !
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1217293/5385761
A good friend of mine keeps a PQI drive (one of the smallest USB drives available) (the kingston kingmax being the smallest) on him at all times and it houses all kinds of useful information , including a Live USB distribution like slax.
http://www.Slax.Org
I would also recommend Liberty Key 4.5 Ultimate, in a kind of "Dual Boot sequence" , In a tough situation a tiny usb flash drive might save your life.
http://www.LiberKey.com
Some are even water proof and no bigger than a stick of trident gum. :)
SOME even have a rubber housing and don't even show up on airport scanners !
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1217293/5385761
What I would do is grab ALL colors of these
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/key-usb-drive_2.jpg
Have a medical alert symbol stamped on each of them (Different symbols for front and back), include a symbol for your bloodtype and 2 separate ICE numbers (on both front and back).
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:TpLcAxkgtMU-dM:http://upload.macromedia.com/exchange/photoshop/previews/5204_preview.gif
And put information only needed for specific regions or times according to your specific needs on them....
http://billwscott.com/share/blog/scrybe/scrybe-calendar-timezone-map.png
Then just hang them on a world map in your office using push pins according to whatever part of the world or state you like :)
http://www.artandartifact.com/graphics/products/regular/PN2382G.jpg
Finally.
You can create hidden partitions for the live distro and liberkey suite using a program like GParted or PowerQuest, and only allow the viewable partitions to show your relevant public medical information.
Have a medical alert symbol stamped on each of them (Different symbols for front and back), include a symbol for your bloodtype and 2 separate ICE numbers (on both front and back).
And put information only needed for specific regions or times according to your specific needs on them....
Then just hang them on a world map in your office using push pins according to whatever part of the world or state you like :)
Finally.
You can create hidden partitions for the live distro and liberkey suite using a program like GParted or PowerQuest, and only allow the viewable partitions to show your relevant public medical information.
Sorry that should have read "case by case basis" not bases in my original answer.
if you have a serious conditon that would require immediate attention such as diabetes - cardiopulminary - epilepsy - to name only a few, you should be wearing what is called a "Medic Alert" bracelet or necklace. trained medical personnel will know to look for it , especially if you are unconsciuos , in an accident or appear in some way to be having a medical crisis. all medications you are on should be listed and placed in your wallet or purse as well as anything pertinent including person's to notify. also whether or not you want to be an organ donor. at home it is a good idea to have the same info attached to your refridgerator. some fire departments give out little plastic packets which can contain the info and if fire and medical people are in the home,they will have easy access and it will also save precious time!
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Keep in mind that if you fall unconscious in a public place, your purse or wallet may be taken by an opportunist before medical help arrives. So critical medical needs require identity on the person.
http://www.medicalert.com/
or would it be better to leave it on the pretense of the medical facility may keep the card and I can print a new one when I get home.
I live in a rural area where technology may not have penetrated far enough into official systems (such as EMS) for an ICE flash drive to be useful.
Finally, good luck on AotD.