STUFF Post–Medical ID Bracelets

I frequently see individuals with Dysautonomia, and chronic illnesses in general, asking if they should be wearing a medical id bracelet.  While it is an individual choice–between you and your doctor–I personally chose to wear one.  In case it hits the fan, I want the medical team working on me to A) know some basic information about what I have and B)  know how to contact my regular Doctors since it seems pretty much nobody knows about Dysautonomia.

So, here is the first in what I am calling my STUFF postings.  Listings and links to stuff I have seen mentioned, recommended, etc. in relation to dysautonomia.  Just because I link it, does not mean that I have tried it or endorse it–I only review things I own or have tried (see the reviews section).  This is mainly to serve as a collection of possibilities and nothing more.  If you know of something you think should be on this list, please feel free to add it in the comments.

Special note about medical id bracelets:  recently I had the chance to speak with a couple local EMT’s and firefighters.  I asked about regular medical Id’s vs. more interactive ones (web-linked, phone-in, etc.).  While this is opinion of just a few, they mentioned the traditional ones are more useful for them in the field (unlikely to scan or call in from the ‘bus’) but that the medical team once you get to the hospital may find the interactive ones most useful since they contain much more information.  They also mention that as medical alert jewelry looks more jewelry like, they are also more likely to mistake it for jewelry and not notice it.  Their advice–we know they are ugly, but the more obvious that it is a medical id bracelet, the better. 

 

Traditional Medical Id Bracelets/Jewelry

• Vital ID  (see review)

Uses small folding paper insert instead of engraving for medical information

https://www.vitalid.com/product-category/medical-id/

• Sticky Jewelry

Large selection of pre-printed and engravable medical jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, and charms

https://www.stickyj.com/medical-alert-jewelry

• Lauren’s Hope

Possibly one of the largest selections of medical jewelry on the internet.  Mostly engraveable.

http://www.laurenshope.com/

• American Medical ID

Engravable bracelets and necklaces

http://www.americanmedical-id.com/

• Road id

“sporty” engravable bracelets and shoe id’s

https://www.roadid.com/Common/Catalog.aspx?C=RoadID

• Creative Medical Id

Engravable bracelets, dog tags, charms and watches

http://creativemedicalid.com/

• SOS Id via Keep Safe Jewelry

Insert that folds into compartment on stainless steel bracelet

http://www.keepsafejewelry.com/sosid.htm

• ID on Me

Insert that fits into compartment on bracelets, key rings, or tags

http://www.idonme.com/index.php

•  N-Sytle ID

Engravable bracelets, necklaces, dog tags & charms.  Has a free template for a printable wallet card

http://www.n-styleid.com/

• Mediband

Specializes in silicone medical ids. Many pre-printed, but also have the ability to make a customized one.  Has multiple language and engravable jewelry as well.  Can add a separate MedibandPlus membership (see below)

 http://www.mediband.com/us/

•  Hope Paige

Mostly engravable medical id jewelry, including the ability to design your own.  Has a few silicone/write on bracelets as well as the 4id line that includes some unique write on medcial ids.  Has a few pretty neat accessories as well as a large selection gears towards kids

https://www.hopepaige.com/

 

 

 

 

Interactive Medical Id Bracelets/Jewelry

• My ID Square (see review)

Uses individual QR code and/or website with pin # to link to medical information website.  Includes lifetime membership with Squid purchase (no yearly fee).  Also carries traditional medical tags and “clip on” medical charms.

http://www.myidsquare.com/

• Medic Alert Foundation

Bracelets and necklaces have 1-800 number that connects to 24/7 operator center with your medical information.  Purchase includes one year of telephone service, renewable for a yearly fee after that.

http://www.medicalert.org/

• My ID by Endevr

Uses either a QR code, phone number, or website with pin # to access medical information.  Purchase includes one year of service, renewable for a yearly fee after that

http://www.endevr.com/id-bracelets/myid

•  MedibandPlus

Subscription gives you a code to access your medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type and immunization records at MedibandPlus website. Also has contact info for physician(s) and emergency family and friends.  Yearly fee starting at $7 for personal or $35 for family.  Note: Australian company, so phone customer service is on Australian time.

http://www.medibandplus.com/

 

 

Note: I have not included any medical id jewelry that uses a USB to store medical information.  I have been informed by several sources that many medical facilities now refuse to insert foreign USBs into their computer systems over fear that they may contain viruses or identity theft malware. 

 

Did I miss one?  Please add it in the comments below.

 

 

Review: Vital ID Medical Alert Bracelet

This is the first of many posts I intend to dedicate to reviewing products/services/medications/etc. that have I have tried to assist me in dealing with dysautonomia.  I have not received any compensation for my opinions.  My only hope is that people are able to use my reviews to determine if something may or may not be able to help them.

VITAL ID MEDICAL ALERT BRACELET

One of my favorite medical alert bracelets I have tried is my Vital ID Med Alert Bracelet.  It is unlike most traditional medical bracelets–it has no metal, and there is no engraving.  It is made of woven textile and Velcro, which makes it easier to put on and take off.  It feels like nylon, but that is just a guess.

Instead of engraving, it comes with a thick paper insert that can be written on. It fits inside a small enveloped area on the inside of the bracelet, which can be accessed by pulling the bracelet off the wrist.

It has room for putting your name, diagnosis, medication, and 2 emergency contact numbers on the front.  The back is blank, and leaves plenty of room to add more information.  You can order more if your medications change often.  Be sure to use a permanent marker (I suggest fine tip) to write in your information so it does not smear when folded.

It is definite a more “sporty” look—no one is going to mistake it for jewelry.  There are both child and adult sizes with multiple colors in each size (there are probably more fun colors available in the child size, but my wrist is too thick).

Make sure to measure your wrist to find out which size is best for you.  I would not suggest getting one that is too tight.  I have not had any problems with the bracelet annoying the skin around my wrist, but I could see a problem if it was so tight to cut off air circulation—the fabric does not strike me as the most breathable.

I have washed it several times, though never in the washing machine.  Just a hand wash and air dry, but this was always adequate to deal with any dirt, stains, sweat, etc.  Obviously, take the paper insert out.  I have gotten the bracelet wet a few times–such as when washing hands–but have not had too much trouble with it warping the paper.  This is splash up, though, not soaking it.  I think you would have to get it pretty wet before it started warping the paper or blurring the ink.  Even so, I take it off when doing the dishes, giving the kids a bath, etc.

I enjoy that it is a more casual look, and the ease of taking it off and putting it on is very helpful with all the chores I do around the house.  I don’t really worry if it gets sweaty or messy, and it does not bounce around or move too much on my wrist.  I would love it if they expanded into some of the fun kid colors into the adult sizes.  Most importantly, I enjoy being able to easily add/change any drug or doctor changes, which is pretty frequently.

Overall, I like it and would recommend.

Vital ID Medical ID Bracelet, $16.95 at https://www.vitalid.com/shop/medical-id-bracelet/ and other online retailers.