Are there any paramedics here? Bit of a weird one (medical bracelet related)!

[Fairylea]

I have Addison’s disease which means I wear a medical bracelet so that in an emergency situation people know to give me an emergency dose of hydrocortisone (otherwise I would die).

Cheery, hey?

Anyway, my question is this... would a paramedic always check for a bracelet / pendant? And if they do would it be better to have a more easily identifiable medical one (like an engraved dog tag on a silver chain basically) or if I go for a “prettier” one (with delicate beads, more pandora type style) with a smaller engraved piece would that make a difference? Or is the red medical sign enough?

I am hovering over the “order” button because I would love to have a prettier one but I worry people might just think it’s a bracelet, or do paramedics check anyway?

Thanks if anyone has any input!

I'm not a paramedic but I would assume the more easily identifiable medical one might be better for you to buy and use if you are relying on paramedics or drs seeing it and realising it has your medical info on it...
A pretty and delicate Pandora one may easily be mistaken for jewellery

I find the medical type bracelets easier to notice, if you’re unconscious the scene can be a bit fraught especially in a public place and although we do look for medic alerts it isn’t always the first thing we do and it makes sense to make it as obvious as possible.
Also you might want to make sure you have a summary care record which can be shared with us. If the person calling 999 has your name, postcode and date of birth we can then be alerted to any issues such as Addisons.

I am a HCP. Definitely go for the more obvious ones!! I know it's not what you want to hear, but it would stand out much more than a pretty pandora style one. Also worth putting a card/note in your bag or wallet.

Ok thank you. I suspected that might be the case! And it makes sense too.

I’m just being vain I hate the style I have at the moment, and as I have to wear it constantly it’s a bit .... but better to be alive!

I have my name and an emergency contact details on the inside of the bracelet too. As it’s quite a big “tag” I’ve got a lot on it!

Thank you.

Try and make sure you have your ICE screen on your phone filled in too. It can then be accessed without a passcode . Include your medications and if possible your nhs number, it makes tracing you a lot easier and is another line of defence if your tag falls off or is missed for any reason.

Was just going to say the phone thing too. If you have an iPhone there’s a screen you can fill out with medical information which can be accessed without your passcode.

Just filled in the ICE screen on my phone. Didn't know it existed so thanks guys!

Thank you- I had no idea that existed so done that now! Brilliant!

It’s really useful, get your teens to do it before they go off to uni too. Get them to fill it in with any medical info plus where they’re living whilst at uni as well as next of kin etc. Saves me trying to find which fingerprint they use and getting vomit all over their phone.😆

I work with a guy who has his medic-alert info tattooed on his left wrist. A little extreme, but highly noticeable!

I would go with a more noticeable medic-alert bracelet. I’m a HCP and we do check but we’re more likely to quickly notice something on your wrist when we cannulate you.

My son has severe allergies, carries an Epipen, we decided on this one as it was more noticeable.

I have this one, www.jscjewellery.co.uk/c/12/medical-alert-bracelets-stainless-steel

It means that I can add all the info I need to on different charms and it gets across what I may not be able to communicate myself, it has been a massive help a couple of times