The world of medicine is growing in leaps and bounds, and every day brings new developments to improve well-being.
A medical alert bracelet is a useful tool in the medical industry that helps communicate patients’ vital information in the event of an emergency. They report known health issues in an easily identifiable way; ensuring individuals are given the help they need in an emergency, saving many lives.
This article will discuss how medical alert bracelets can help you or a loved one if the worst happens.
How Does a Medical Alert Bracelet Work?
Also known as a life alert bracelet, a medical bracelet is engraved with vital information like:
- Your name
- Medical conditions
- Food and drug allergies
- Any medications you may be taking
- Emergency contacts
Emergency responders are trained to look for these bracelets to determine the best course of treatment.
A life alert bracelet comes in handy if a patient is not responding and cannot inform medical staff of vital information.
For example, your bracelet may note an allergy to penicillin. The respondent will see the bracelet and know to act accordingly. Without the bracelet, they may have begun a penicillin treatment, causing a serious allergic reaction and endangering your life.
Furthermore, a medical bracelet provides information that prevents:
- Unnecessary or inappropriate treatments: Respondents will form an idea of your medical history, reducing the risk of unnecessary treatments.
- The delay of necessary treatments: Respondents will be more confident in treatment options and act without delay.
- Miscommunication: Providers will be aware of all necessary documentation even if the emergency leads to forgotten or mistaken information.
- Misdiagnoses: Doctors will be more familiar with your medical history, which will help make an accurate diagnosis.
Who Should Use a Medical Alert Bracelet?
While anyone with any physical or mental condition is recommended to wear some sort of medical ID, you should seriously consider a life alert bracelet if you have been diagnosed with the following conditions:
- Autism
- Severe allergies to food or medications
- Heart conditions
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
Styles and Fashions
Some people may not like the idea of wearing a medical bracelet because they feel the device is unattractive. But today’s medical jewelry comes in a variety of styles.
The device comes in a wide range of metals including gold, silver, rose gold, and black, and can be thick or thin. Bracelets now feature a variety of fun designs like hearts, nature symbols, and tribal prints.
Other Types of Medical Alert Jewelry
Bracelets aren’t the only kind of medical alert jewelry. Here are other types of medical alert systems that may interest you.
- Medical Alert Cards: While it’s advisable to wear medical jewelry, carrying a backup a medical card or phone medical ID is a great alternative. You can stash these items in your wallet or pocket. It’s advisable to wear some type of jewelry due to its noticeability, and the first responder related training to look for it.
- Medical Alert Necklaces: Medical alert necklaces are also common. Like bracelets, they are engraved with your medical information and come in handy during emergencies.
- Fall Detection: Some medical bracelets offer fall detection that uses accelerometers to detect motion. They can tell when the wearer is falling and send an alert to a monitoring center to send help.
- Call Buttons: Some types of medical alert jewelry come with a call button that you press. It will alert medical staff to provide help in emergencies.
Other bracelets are designed to monitor vitals and detect when you’re at risk of a heart attack or other medical emergency. However, they are still in development.
If you have a chronic condition that requires a certain type of care, a medical bracelet is a must. It will inform respondents of your treatment needs so they can be proactive and avoid further injury. And with a variety of fun designs and comfortable options to choose from, there’s no reason not to wear one.
