BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

The organizers of the MS150 provide info kits for your name, address, allergies, ICE, etc. It goes in a tiny envelope tacked to the inside of the helmet. To let EMS know about the envelope, they also provide an "info inside helmet" sticker to put on the outside of the helmet.

I am not a fan of this method at all, since the helmet (in most cases) is not removed and used for stabilization and the such. And it's a tiny sticker that's really easy to miss.

Are you familiar with this method of carrying emergency info? What's your take on it, good or bad?

Suzanne, I don't have photos for you, but might have a connection for you. There is a group out of the NOrth Hills/Butler area that does name/med ID tags that affix to the inside of the cycling helmet. Another version can be affixed to the shoelaces for runners. They were created/marketed for just this sort of scenario. But, if EMTs are not trained to look for them, well, you get the scenario you describe. I'll dig out the contact information and send it along to you.

I trying to remember a time that I cycled in something other than my street clothes - and I cannot.

So, for me, and riders like me, a "wallet biopsy" suffices.

When I ended up in the ER, they cut right through the pocket in my cycling jacket (front left breast pocket). Had a bunch of semi-important paperwork in there (some of which had my name and various contacts), which was all cut up. Fortunately I was conscious, so I could tell them who I was.

I guess if I'm laying there dying, I don't want them rummaging around in my pockets to look for some paperwork before they get to the saving. So, does Dr. Atkinson have a suggestion for what we should do, so we get identified? Where would the EMS responders and ER docs look first for identification or contact information?

Tattoo your blood type and any life threatening allergies on your chest. That'll show 'em.

Otherwise, can't help ya Chris. I have pictures of myself in the ER all bloodied up, but nothing to fit your presentation.

Suzanne,

I am surprised that they didn't uncover the ankle bracelet or the contents of her clothing. It sound to me like they simply didn't do a thorough job of examining the unconscious/unreliable patient. Whether or not there are "standard" places that people carry ID, sooner or later those EMS staff are going to encounter someone who is carrying ID in a non-standard place, and they have to know that they need to look in, on, under, and through everything - the clothing AND other equipment.

Of course, it's in our own interest not to make them look too hard...

dwillen, the FIRST place that information is going to be found is if you're wearing a medicalert bracelet or necklace. If you have a significant pre-existing condition, your doc should have already recommended you get one. It would be an egregious failure if a first responder didn't look for that.

I wear Boomerang tags, I figure, barring decapitation, I should be okay for info.

I wear Boomerang tags, I figure, barring decapitation, I should be okay for info.

I took the same approach with a RoadID on a neck chain. Figured hey, if I've lost my head, who cares about my bee-sting allergy or my club affiliation?

Suzanne -

While some cyclists wear jerseys, most cyclists you'll find in the city are commuting in regular clothes along with all different kinds of bags.

If you don't end up getting enough cycling accident photos, maybe use photos of the different places cyclists would put their ID. Sometimes, the ID might be in a bag on the bike itself.

Here's a list of places a cyclist's ID might be:

- backpack, messenger bag, shoulder bag

- hip pack or fanny pack

- back pocket, coat pocket, cargo pocket on pants.

- panniers (bags that attach to the back of your bike)

- saddle bag (a small bag that fits under a bike seat)

- a bag that attaches to the frame, inside the triangle-shape of the bicycle (not sure what that kind of bag is called)

- handle bar bag or basket

- rear jersey pockets

- inside of helmet (this one is new to me)

If you need help finding pictures of any of these things, let me know!!! I'd be happy to help.

When I was hit, my wallet was in my hip-pack, which luckily was a pretty obvious place to have a wallet, even though most people don't wear hip-packs.

I have a picture of myself at the hospital, but I look like any person off the street.. you can't tell I'm a cyclist. I don't think that would be helpful (especially 'cause my hip pack isn't visible).

opps, just noticed that you're involved in a cycling group so my list is probably pretty obvious.. but anyway, if you need any help, let me know.

They say to put the ID tags on the inside of the helmet but I always thought that was a guaranteed way to have it not be found. I have one tacked on the back side of my helmet, the bright yellow plastic slipcase standing out against the white of the helmet.

Don't have any injury pictures.

@Kordite; I've had similar thoughts about the "visibility" of ID tags inside the helmet. I like the outside the helmet approach. I may have to adopt it myself.

i keep fearing that everytime i click on this people are going to post pics.