A new product called MedicTag provides an easy, convenient way to carry
your emergency medical information with you at all times.
Who needs to keep their emergency information available and
updated?
Actually, all of us should but very few do. However for those at risk,
such as seniors, people with chronic illness, serious allergies or medication
complications, special needs children and anyone traveling away from
home it is something that should not be overlooked. Children should
also have the proper medical information on them at all times if they
have a medical condition or serious allergy.
"In a medical emergency, you might be unconscious or unable to
speak for yourself," said Alfred Sacchetti, MD, of the American
College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). "That's why it's so important
to make sure that medical personnel have access to your medical history,
as well as relevant contact information. For example, knowing what medications
you are taking could prevent severe drug interactions, and knowing what
allergies you have could prevent serious reactions."
Millions of Americans have medical conditions which should be
immediately known to Emergency Personnel.
Diabetes (over 13 million), diagnosed heart disease (23 million), alzheimers,
transplant surgery, patient's currently on blood thinners such as Coumadin,
epilepsy, asthma, severe allergies, cancer patients and medication allergies
such as penicillin and other antibiotics are all conditions that should
be brought to the attention of emergency personnel. Additionally, many
of us are reasonably health but getting older (36 million people age
65 and over) and our list of medications continue to grow with the years.
With over 110 million emergency room visits a year, your emergency information
may actually be the most important information of your life.
What information should be maintained?
Here are just some of the things recommended by Edward Stettner, MD,
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University Atlanta,
GA and other healthcare professionals.
• Medical history - Chronic medical conditions
• Medications - Including over-the-counter
• Allergies - Medications and foods
• Surgical history - Include the date, hospital and surgeon
• Private physician - Include primary care as well as specialists
• Emergency contacts - Multiple contacts with alternate numbers
•Miscellaneous - Include advance directives, specific dietary
needs, or any other important information.
So how do you carry all that information around with you?
Digital technology allows a very large amount of information to be stored
on surprisingly small devices. MedicTag LLC has adapted this technology
to produce an emergency information device that fits on a key ring.
The device is simple to use and works with your desktop or laptop computer.
You can fill out the information form and make changes whenever necessary,
always keeping your emergency information up to date. Emergency responders
on site with a laptop or at the emergency room can have instant access
to your vital information, even if you are unconscious, allowing them
to diagnose and properly treat you with as little delay as possible.
For more information on MedicTag contact CWI Medical, a medical supply
and health care products company located in Farmingdale, NY, at 1-877-9-CWIMED
or visit their website at http://www.cwimedical.com.
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