BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I guess this is for people who don't carry a wallet or who have medical issues like diabetes but don't already have a bracelet for that? For running or open water swimming I think it makes a lot of sense, but how many cyclists don't have room for a wallet in an underseat bag or a jersey pocket? I just don't see being written up as a John Doe unless medics can't find your ID in your belongings. I also don't understand how a velcro strap can cost $20.

But then again, maybe I should wear a bracelet to alert others of my cynicism.

I considered this for times when I don't want to bring my wallet. But if no-one looks at the bracelet then it defeats the purpose. If they look at it then it's awesome.

I bought one on the premise that I am far more likely to be separated from any ID located in a backpack or purse than I am to be separated from something on my wrist. Will they find it? Will they know to look for it? Maybe, maybe not. But the odds are at least as good as someone finding my (intact) pack, purse or ???? and finding my wallet. Might be a slightly different issue for guys, who are more likely to have their ID on their person, maybe.

@asobi "I also don't understand how a velcro strap can cost $20."

Hey man, peace of mind isn't cheap! (Heh, heh)

Here's a discussion with some paramedics contributing.

Summary: they're trained to look for Medic Alert/Road ID bracelets. A paramedic might or might not find a card in your wallet. A hospital is more likely to find one, especially if they can't otherwise identify you.

So it seems like a bracelet is the way to go if you've got medication allergies or other things a paramedic really should know, even if you and your wallet are inseparable.

I wear one of these. I've got emergency contact info and medical info on the tag. If I need it and it works, best $20 I ever spent. If I need it and it doesn't work, then I was screwed anyway. It does seem to impart some peace of mind to the Goddess.

I have thought of affixing a sticker to my frame and helmet, "emergency info on left wrist" but haven't yet.

If you're badly injured enough that you can't tell them this stuff yourself, you're also going to be badly injured enough that they'll strip you when you come into trauma (which they will also do if you are conscious but injured, which is really a great experience all around), including any and all jewelry/accessories, so they'll find it then if the EMTs somehow don't. But like it says, the paramedics are trained to look for bracelets.

As an alternative, pet ID tags can be got on the interwebs for less than five bucks, and come in a better variety of shapes and colors. And they will engrave anything you want (blood type, phone#, etc)

@adobi -- I got mine becuase when I'm on a long ride, I often stow my wallet in my saddle back so I have extra room in my pockets for water and gatorade.

In that situatution there are 2 issues 1) the forces in a crash could easily throw the saddle back into the bushes or somewhere else fair away(*) and 2) even if they don't (let's say the more likely collapse by side of road situation), first responders aren't likely to look (or even notice) my saddle bag.

So I settled on the bright purple one, hoping that the FR's at least think "Hey what's that?"

(*) don't underestimate the forces in a crash in even a survivable one, things in your pocket could go flying. But also, having worked at an amusement park, I've seen change, keys and even wallets fall from people's pockets.

I went with a dog tags version, for purposes of ID, emergency contact info, and note about my bee sting allergy. I figured that something around my neck is likely to remain with me under most circumstances that I may possibly survive. If my neck and body have parted ways, well...

On a related note, a buddy of mine mentioned that, while EMTs and other first responders are indeed trained to look for medical bracelets and dog tags, it's a lot easier if said item specifically has a recognizable medical alert symbol prominently engraved upon it.

Medical people probably aren't going to know about jersey pockets(first hand knowledge). Chances are that if you're getting taken in an ambulance your bike will not go with you. I don't have one of these but this thread is making me get something. Probably a dog tag.

My ambulance driver let me take my bike with me.

I took a bike with me on an ambulance as well but only after I specifically requested it. They were all ready to take me without mine.

I should have explained that better in my orginal post. I guess I just think they don't care and will leave your bike there if you don't ask to take it.

^^^^^^ what marko82 said. so cheap (and potentially stylish) that theres no reason NOT to get one

Talked with some guys about this, emergency responder types. Dog tags are the most universally recognizable medical ID, the stainless bracelets #2. I believe the Road ID, in its most advertised form is the nicest of all of them and the one I would use the most but the odds of it being used on the scene are far less than the dog tags. Sucks though because I hate jewelry around my neck and the Road ID bracelets are one of the more awesome ideas I have seen in a while.

Mine (the interactive model) arrived last night. I agree they aren't cheap, but it gave me the ability to put in a pretty detailed medical history which the FRs can access after calling a phone number.

It even let me note things like my many migraine triggers and other stuff that might be useful to them.

Of course that is assuming that A) they actually call and I continue to pay them annually.

I had the same thought as Marko82...pet ID tags look like a cheaper, faster alternative. Also looks like you can get military style dog tags made & shipped for under $6.

On the other hand, the Road ID actually looks good!

I like the idea of wearing the bracelet over a necklace. I really don't like anything around my neck.

Good idea to get a bracelet, anklet, and dog tags in case you arm and/or leg get vehicularly amputated.

Any chance an emt would check a tatoo if it had emergency info? It would need to somehow be made obvious that it wasn't just decoration. If I had some serious medical condition I would consider getting tattooed right on my pec or something.