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Keep It Simple, Stupid

Posted , 11 users are following.

MichaelTN1UK
MichaelTN1UK

I met up with a friend who has just retired after a lifetime as a paramedic. I asked him if I should wear a medical ID bracelet so that the Emergency Service can see that I am a “Hippie”.

His response was that it would not serve any purpose: either the hip is dislocated (in which case they would see/feel it) or not (in whichh case they don’t need to worry about it). 

3 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • bridie000
    bridie000 MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    But if its a cool looking bracelet, why not! 😎
    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK bridie000

      Posted

      I know!! I really wanted an excuse to wear one. 

      I even read somewhere that people are now getting relevant medical conditions tattooed on their lower left forearm.... and I am quite tempted. 

    • bridie000
      bridie000 MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      Yes! I have toyed with the idea of getting 'do not resuscitate' but what if I change my mind?

      I was thinking, if my hip is going to stay numb due to the surgery (possible side effect of the anterior approach) I might get a tattoo of a hip bone over the hip bone!

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK bridie000

      Posted

      Well, it would certainly be a talking point when swimming :-) But cpnsidering that sailors used to, in effect, get their CV tattooes on their arms, I think it does go back to the recent history of tattoing.

      The DNR tattoo is very definiate and final. I have seen people with it and admired their resolve. Not sure I am that certain. . 

  • Kate53CornUK
    Kate53CornUK MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    I suppose the ID bracelets etc are for possible life threatening conditions but I do have ICE (in case of emergency) on my phone. It is an app that allows you to store emergency contacts and medical conditions that may be helpful if you are unconcious.

    I have Gilberts Syndrome, a benign condition but can affect other conditions and drugs and also have hypertension. I will add my fake hips to it along with OA. I suppose it is better to present some information than none at all!

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK Kate53CornUK

      Posted

      Hi,

      I havent got that app on my phone but under my contacts I have ICE and my husbands number to ring {In Case of Emergency} Next best thing

      Love

      Hileena

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK Kate53CornUK

      Posted

      The ICE numbers on mobile are invalueable. On some iPhones, they have a medical section which can be accessed even when the phone is locked. This too is an excellent feature. 

      I agree that it is better to have more information, that less.

  • renee01952
    renee01952 MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    cheesygrin

    Oh Michael ... We are so proud to have gone through this (some of us twice !!!!) and want to let the whole world know, right? 

    Well, as time is going on, less and less people is really interested anymore, outside our Hippies family here - at least this is my experience ... 

    I find myself apologizing in the senior home where I volunteer, for being slow to move and tell them about my 2 new hips ... not the senior citizens of course but the staff members redface When I say "seniors" they are way in to their 80's and 90's 

    (I am 67) -

    Well, seems that nobody is impressed really ... but the one who broke her wrist??? even now when the cast is off ...

    Love the idea of a bracelet -

     

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK renee01952

      Posted

      Dear Renee,

      I am still of the opinion of having a tattoo on my left wrist. If nothing else, it will start a conversation with "non-believers" and may also help at the airport security. 

      Well, at 67 you are quite young. I am not far behind you and will be visiting my father and grandmother! Age is in the mind these days, not the body!

      Man hugs

      Michael

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    Owing to the complications of my new joint, I am wearing one - I just know that if I am ever to have a problem with it, I want as much of the information about it that I can give to a medic at hand.  Typically it'll be when I'm abroad where they don't speak English.

    Graham - 🚀💃

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 MichaelTN1UK

    Posted

    I have an ICE on my phone that is accessible when the phone is locked. 

    No pendant or bracelet, as I have quite a few anyway. My husband does have a pendant, he is on apixaban an  anticoagulant that is non-vitamin K reversible unlike warfarin. Felt it would be useful for paramedics/medics to know if he was bleeding profusely. But now he has got ICE app on his phone as well

    • MichaelTN1UK
      MichaelTN1UK maggie93798

      Posted

      The braclets certainly have a purpose and are vital for conditions such as the ones you have mentioned. And it has the advantage of being attached!

      However, there is a Health App (I guess it can be downloaded on most smart phones) which an iPhone can access even when locked. This App has sections for:

      Name

      Date of Birth

      Medical Conditions

      Medial Notes

      Allergies

      Medications

      ICE Contact

      Blood Type

      Organ Donor

      Weight

      Height

      But as a bonus it also tracks your activities on the dashboard page. It has told me that I have, today walked 4,4 miles (6,660 steps) and climbed 7 floors (well, it was a several steep hills). Just saying biggrin

    • shirley17649
      shirley17649 MichaelTN1UK

      Posted

      Hi Michael,

      Just a small point - we don't always carry our phones.

      So if we have an accident or fall when we are out and about and have left the phone in the car or in a coat pocket, then that info is not readily available to paramedics. I suppose the advantage of a bracelet is that it is always with you, like a soldier's dogtag.

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