Make your medical emergency information available when you can’t speak
If you, your children, your parents or other loved ones have a medical condition, you should ensure that first responders or medical staff know of them, especially if the patient can’t speak. This could be lifesaving for patients with heart conditions, asthma, allergies, epilepsy, dementia, autism, bleeding disorders and other conditions.
How can you communicate when you can’t speak?
Medical bracelets or necklaces are one way to inform paramedics, who are trained to look for them, about your condition. They can be personalised with your emergency contact and medical information. To make this information available might be life-saving for you. Find more information on the suppliers’ websites, like www.iceid.co.za, www.medicalert.co.za, www.ertags.co.za, or search for other ‘medical alert bracelets’ online. First responders should also be able to find out that you are a member of Anglo Medical Scheme. Always carry your medical aid card with you and ensure the AMS sticker is on your car.
You can also make use of your smart phone’s medical emergency functionality and apps. On the iPhone you can set up your Medical ID in Apple Health, recording your conditions, medications and emergency contacts. Android phones offer ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact groups that you can set up. You could also set an ICE message on your default lock screen text or use an image with your ICE message as your lock screen wallpaper. Search for other available ICE apps and don’t forget the MySOS app, supported by AMS’s emergency evacuation partner Netcare 911, which allows you to call for help, search for nearby healthcare providers, etc, by just opening the app. More information is on www.mysos.co.za.
Do you know of any other ways, apps or devices to use in case of an emergency? Let us know!