Bracelets are the overwhelming first choice and let me explain why.
In an emergency the response team that arrives first to help you will check your pulse immediately as one of the main routine checks performed.
A bracelet medical alert will be seen immediately.
Yes, EMT's are trained to look for bracelets, necklaces and dog tags, but why make the job more difficult or time consuming during an emergency?
Quote:
As others have said, we do check for medical alert tags. On unconscious patients they're invaluable, as we often have little or no other information about the patient.
Allergy information is also very important for EMS, contrary to what wevets said. As the paramedic scope of practice continues to expand, we're carrying more and more meds on the ambulance. While this doesn't and likely won't include antibiotics, many services carry multiple pain meds and some carry rapid-sequence intubation meds, similar or identical to what are used in the hospital. So, if you/ your child is allergic to any meds (esp. pain meds like fentanyl, morphine, or demerol) a medic alert braclet would be very helpful. We want to be able to treat their pain appropriately.
St. Urho
Paramedic
