Functional Jewelry

posted 11/07/2008
Growing up as a child in suburban Cleveland, my good friend John wore a silver bracelet. Before I was old enough to read, I remember him wearing it whenever he left his house. As we both grew older and entered grade school, John continued to wear that bracelet. I remember him reading his bracelet one day on the playground. He sounded out the word epilepsy, and as curious kids often do, we asked questions. His parents explained that it was a simple way to alert people that his "shaking" was normal and what his name and phone number were in case of an emergency. He was wearing a "Medic Alert" bracelet.

This simple idea has changed into many different types of medical alert cards, jewelry, and devices. Some people wear that information on all sorts of jewelry, including bracelets, anklets, and pendants. File of Life cards are filled out and kept in wallets and hung on refrigerators. Volumes of medical information are now able to be micro scanned and placed into a card that fits in your pocket. Increasingly, people will post their medical information on a secure website and carry the web address and pin around in their wallets or purses or backpacks.

With so many choices, what works best? The answer is a combination of things. Wearing some sort of Medic Alert bracelet will allow the EMTS and Paramedics to immediately know what is happening in the event of an emergency. Readily available information is the most effective at the scene of the emergency. It's terrific to have your records on line for the emergency room or hospital or clinic as well, but clearly written material including your name, doctor, medications, allergies, and known conditions is most helpful right away.

So consider getting a piece of functional jewelry along with a wallet card with your important medical information. It may save your life.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is designated as a Chief Medical Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and is a Senior Wilderness Medicine Instructor with the SOLO School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.