Rider Medical Info??

[270]

Howdy Gang!

 

Important question here that maybe some of our LEO's, legal types and EMS types here can answer;

 

I want to have on my person some type of ID that states some medical information in case I am involved in an accident and cannot speak for myself. I actually have no alergies, or particular conditions, nor do I take any medication that is critical to my survival. I'm sure that's important for EMS to know, but also, and not to be morbid, I am both a DNR and a donor and want to make sure this is communicated.

 

What should I wear? Where should I wear it? What should it say?

[Dances_With_Wiener_Dogs]

I carry a laminated info card inside my stitch pocket. I typed up the info and took it to Kinkos copy center for laminating. I don't like to carry my wallet in my riding suit pocket.

[Lets_Play_Two]

In Florida, "organ donor" is printed right on driver's license. You might check that. I am not a lawyer but have some familiarity with DNR orders since my mother had one. In Illinois, I seem to recall, that DNR does not apply for emergency services provided by paramedics or emergemcy room personnel, only subsequent "heroic" efforts. You might want to check that also.

[rkd]

I like Steve's idea of the laminated card.

 

Since I have dynamic/critical medical needs, I decided to use MedicAlert's services, and wear one of their back-engraved ID bracelets:

 

 

The ID ties to MedicAlert's on-call system, on which I can update my records via the web (contacts, prescriptions, etc.)

[johnt650]

Cyclegadgets offers a free medical ID that attaches to the back of a helmet. Apparently this is supposed to be a place where the EMS people would look.

[DavidEBSmith]

I've got one of these things stuck to my helmet with medical info inside. You can get them free from Cycle Gadgets (or I could bring one to Denver if I remember, I've got some extras.) I also print my medical and contact information on fluorescent pink paper and laminate it and put a copy in my wallet, a copy in my Stich poceket, and a copy in my tank bag.

[Ron_B]

I gave a lot of thought to this when I returned to riding following my stroke. There are many good ideas / products available, just do a search on “medical ID.”

 

I decided to make my own laminated cards for various reasons. I can easily revise the info by making new ones. They are waterproof, and I made a bunch of them and carry them in various places. (On chain around my neck, in a pocket, in my wallet, in plain view in my map pocket, etc) If I sound a bit paranoid, well, having had a major medical crises can make you a bit loony. (If I wasn’t already) Consider this. In the havoc of a crash, the chain around your neck can come off . You could lose your tankbag. The carrier on your helmet could get ground off. A pocket could get ripped off. The way I see it, your important medical information does you no good if it’s lying in the bushes, 25 feet away from where you came to a stop. Paranoid? I just figure that a bit of redundancy couldn’t hurt, and just may save your life.

 

Also, I think it’s a good idea even if you don’t have any medical issues. The faster your EMT know this, the faster he/she can work on saving you life.

 

 

[Softtail]

As well as trying to keep on top of my 2002 R1150RT, and 1991 FXSTS, I am a full time EMT-Paramedic and the EMS Coordinator for the Wallowa County Ambulance Service in Eastern Oregon. I capatalized Eastern, because Eastern Oregon is really like a state unto it's self. Anyway, as far as medical information, a clearly labeled card with medications if any (even OTC meds such as asprin may be important), allergies to medications, bee stings and underlying medical problems such as diabetes, heart conditions etc. If you have any of these, your should probably wear a Med Alert bracelet or neckless. Now, about how much do you want us to do if you are already dead or dying, that is a tricky one. The only legal document which will help you in that circumstance is a living will or an Advanced Medical Directive. Most people go to an attorney to get one of these. They are generally part of a Last Will and Testament. You referred to a DNR order (Do Not Resussitate). DNR orders are generally written by your MD and only pertain to a particular admission to the hospital. As long as you are in the hospital, the DNR order applies. After you leave the hospital, it no longer applies. Now where should you keep you medical info, I always look in your wallet, handbag or fanny pack. If you stick it in your saddle bags, I will probably never see it. Now if you got your old lady on the back and or if she is riding her own ride and tells us that your dead ass should stay dead and that is how you would want it, we generally respect that. The reality is that if you are involved in a crash, we are going to do everything we can to save your butt unless you have DNR tattooed on your forhead.<<<<Softtail>>>>>>

[270]

The reality is that if you are involved in a crash, we are going to do everything we can to save your butt unless you have DNR tattooed on your forhead.<<<<Softtail>>>>>>

 

Thanks for the info! I'll certainly look into that!

 

After I've had a couple of beers later, I'm off to the tattoo artist. This should be an interesting conversation...

[DavidEBSmith]

Yah, you'll like goin' through the rest of life having yokels peer at you and ask "Ar yew some sorta game wardun? Wahz it say Deepartment o Nacheral Reesorces on yer forehed?"

[KMG_365]

We generally respect a DNR medallion no matter where we find it (in accordance with SD County policy), and most have an 1-800-number to call for clarification if there are odd circumstances surrounding the event (was that a "throw-down-DNR" his wife was carrying? ). If I'm having to give you a full work-up on the side of the road after a bad crash you're probably saving both of us some time anyway. Traumatic arrests rarely recover.

 

The next single most important thing you can do is CLEARLY make you wishes known to every member of your family and convince them to agree to abide by them. Assuming it is not a severe traumatic arrest or other clearly fatal event and your body's in a coma instead of on its way to save another 50 lives by donating organs or other body parts, all it takes is for one family member to pitch a bitch and the whole deal's off. Instead, you get the $1000.00/day machine (until you, your heirs and family are completely out of all money and assets), and your body withers until it's of barely any use to anyone--maybe the med students.

 

All of this is assuming of course that you do not have some other strongly held personal/religious belief that would exclude the previous options. Just make your wishes known to those to whom the PM's or ER docs will be speaking if you wish to guarantee that they are carried out.

 

Also, any info you can provide EMS on scene will be great and guaranteed the LEO's will look in your wallet for your DL and to ID you. Especially mention if you have any defecits which are normal for you (i.e. you don't have a new head injury--you're recovering from a stroke). It might save you from an expensive ride in AZAl's helicopter.

 

[/soapbox]

[SteveB]

was that a "throw-down-DNR" his wife was carrying?

 

[flyingreg]

I carry a laminated card on a nylon strap around my neck, similar to the one Ron shows in his post. It has my medical information, medical insurance information, Doctor's name, emergency contact information, etc. It goes where I go.

[blackyam]

What about wearing a "dog tag"? I've been thinking of getting one.

[KMG_365]

What about wearing a "dog tag"? I've been thinking of getting one.

 

That's a cool idea and a cool site as well, thanks!

 

They also come in RED for medical info. (Page here)

 

While not as easily updatable, they are cheap enough when ordered singly to update every so often without breaking the bank. I'm thinking of one Stainless one with personal and ICE contact info and a red one with medical info. If its around my neck, the EMS will find it. If they find me in a condition where I can't give the info to them myself, they'll probably be cutting my clothing off pretty dang quick anyway.

[270]

We generally respect a DNR medallion no matter where we find it (in accordance with SD County policy), and most have an 1-800-number to call for clarification if there are odd circumstances surrounding the event (was that a "throw-down-DNR" his wife was carrying? ). If I'm having to give you a full work-up on the side of the road after a bad crash you're probably saving both of us some time anyway. Traumatic arrests rarely recover.

 

The next single most important thing you can do is CLEARLY make you wishes known to every member of your family and convince them to agree to abide by them. Assuming it is not a severe traumatic arrest or other clearly fatal event and your body's in a coma instead of on its way to save another 50 lives by donating organs or other body parts, all it takes is for one family member to pitch a bitch and the whole deal's off. Instead, you get the $1000.00/day machine (until you, your heirs and family are completely out of all money and assets), and your body withers until it's of barely any use to anyone--maybe the med students.

 

All of this is assuming of course that you do not have some other strongly held personal/religious belief that would exclude the previous options. Just make your wishes known to those to whom the PM's or ER docs will be speaking if you wish to guarantee that they are carried out.

 

Also, any info you can provide EMS on scene will be great and guaranteed the LEO's will look in your wallet for your DL and to ID you. Especially mention if you have any defecits which are normal for you (i.e. you don't have a new head injury--you're recovering from a stroke). It might save you from an expensive ride in AZAl's helicopter.

 

[/soapbox]

 

Jamie,

 

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I am a donor and I have strong feelings about it. My wife and parents know this and support it, as well as my DNR wishes. If you don't mind, could you include some other info as to what you'd like to see?

 

Blood Type?

DOB?

ICE contact?

All medications taken?

Alergies?<sp?>

 

I want to make it concise, but I also want to use the proper acronyms that led the medical professionals understand what I am trying to communicate.

 

Thanks!

[KMG_365]

[ . . . ] I am a donor and I have strong feelings about it. My wife and parents know this and support it, as well as my DNR wishes. If you don't mind, could you include some other info as to what you'd like to see?

 

Blood Type?

DOB?

ICE contact?

All medications taken?

Alergies?<sp?>

 

I want to make it concise, but I also want to use the proper acronyms that led the medical professionals understand what I am trying to communicate.

 

Thanks!

Blood type isn't used in the pre-hospital setting and in the hospital they will generally test you before giving you any transfusions. HOWEVER: if you have a Rare Blood Type it would be a good idea to put that on your card/tag to alert the receiving hospital to expedite the cross-matching procedure so they can make sure to have enough on hand ASAP.

 

Good info:

Name: Joe Blow

DOB: 12/31/1999 (BTW, if your birthDAY is 12 or less, you might want to either abbreviate the month and/or put it in the more universal form: DDMonYY(YY) to avoid confusion! )

Address: 1234 Sunnyside St. Nirvana, CA 99999

ICE: Jane Blow (Wife), (999)999-9999 hm (888)888-8888 ex 88 wk

ICE2: Joan Blow (Mother) (777)777-7777 hm

 

Hist: 3X bypass '92, CVA (Cerebro-Vascular-Accident) '98, A-fib, (N)IDDM (Non) Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus)

Meds: Coumadin, ASA (Aspirin) , Glucophage, Viagra (prn) prn=as needed: don't laugh! Most all ED drugs (Viagra, Cialis, etc.) will cause a bad reaction with meds we would give you for a heart attack (drop your blood pressure).

Allerg: PCN, CDN, TetraC. Or: NKA, or NKDA no known (drug) allergies

Deficits: L side weakness, minor speech effect

PCP (Primary Care Physician): Johann Blasen, Mercy Hospital

DNR status: All resusc. meas. (if you want the whole drug box, otherwise DNR)

Donate: All usable tissues and organs (or DO NOT DONATE, etc.)

 

 

If you've got room:

Marital status

Religious preference

Insurance info (carrier and subsc. name and #)

SS# (though not supposed to be used for medical info)

Home phone

Other specific info/instructions

 

If you're just looking for the basics for EMS:

Name/DOB:

Hx: (history-if significant)

Rx: (meds-other than over-the-counter)

NKDA (or Allerg: Sulfa. (other than food or pollens))

DNR/Donate all

 

Any other med-types wish to add or correct anything above?

 

 

For an example, here are my new dog tags:

 

JAMIE_D_EDMONDS

DOB=29MARCH1965

ICE=LESLIE_WIFE

619-583-9999_HM

CAL_DL#C1469999

 

JAMES_D_EDMONDS

NKDA_NO_DEFC_A+

HX=HODG.LYMPH02

RX=Ø_TRAUMA=DNR

DONATE_ALL_NEED

[270]

Thanks Dude! Perfect info. I'll get on it. Fortunately, I've got nothing to detail, so it makes an easy tag!

[KMG_365]

Just an update:

 

I got an email yesterday from someone at Brigade Quartermasters telling me that the "+" sign is not available on the Red dog tags that I ordered. I modified the line a bit to make it work and also told them if they're promoting the red tags as suitable for "medical" info tags, perhaps a "+" sign might be a good idea (for blood type).

 

She wrote back this morning saying that they would make the changes to my tags I'd made and also forward my suggestions to their engineering dept and thanked me for the feedback.

 

I got another mail this afternoon saying they had been shipped with a tracking number and all. I've got to say I was fairly impressed with a couple of recent on-line purchases recently from a few different vendors (also: www.knifesite.com and www.beemerboneyard.com to wit). It seems that some Internet Marketing companies are really figuring this whole thing out!

[blackyam]

I got an email yesterday from someone at Brigade Quartermasters telling me that the "+" sign is not available on the Red dog tags that I ordered. I modified the line a bit to make it work and also told them if they're promoting the red tags as suitable for "medical" info tags, perhaps a "+" sign might be a good idea (for blood type).

 

When I was in the Marine Corps, I had a silver dog tag a red one. Things may be different now, but then the silver dog tag would have four lines:

 

Name

Serial No. (SSN)

Blood type

Faith

 

For blood type, my dog tag read "O POSITIVE" (spelt out), so I'm not surprised that there isn't usually a "+" sign.

 

The red tag generally contained allergies. E.g., it may read "WOOL".

[ClearwaterBMW]

you don't include blood type because everyone gets O negative blood in a trauma situation. all ER's know that.

 

the point.... IF you get the wrong blood (like you put down the wrong info/or you had someone else's bike, or whatever)...... about 2 seconds after the blood begins to go in..... you die... and there is no way to save your life.

 

that's why i DIScourage you from writing down your blood type.... let them give you O negative blood while blood typing is done in the lab.... i suppose that almost everyplace knows this..... but, just in the case of really bad luck where you are bought into some ER in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night.....

leave that part blank

 

greg

[roadshadowww]

I've included ICE on my cell phone but since I spent 22 years in the military I have had extra dog tags make that give my name, phone number, blood type.

 

I keep one of these on each of my motorcyle key rings.