O/T Medic Alert

I've been a diabetic for about 10 years and have also had cardiac bypass surgery. Every so often I get information in the mail about wearing a Medic Alert bracelet. Do any of you wear them and are they worth the cost which is about $100 and then a $40 yearly membership? Any good or bad experiences?

If you mean the one where you push a button and it calls for help. I think it is worth it. Lady I know has one used it a couple of times. Worked very well.

My wife wore a bracelet that had all her information. In a storage compartment. Had her information on a piece of paper. So if she had trouble,the information was with her. It was gold colored with a medic symbol on it. Bought it at a medical supply store.

My Grandma had one when she lived on the farm by herself. They have the kind that is 'monitored' (live operator talks to you when you press the button). These can get pricy as you pay for the service monthly. Dad got my Grandma one from Radio Shack. She wore the button, if pressed it would automatically call 3 preprogrammed numbers until one of them answered. NO monthly service fee. Worked for her/us!

I think your talking about the bracelet that in an emergency (in the event you could not communicate with paramedics etc.) it would have your info on file and they could call and learn what meds you were on, past history etc.
In the case of my Dad, I just printed out a list of all meds he's on, as well as who to contact etc. and posted it on his refrigerator. Since it has a list of all his meds, I saved it on his computer so I can print one for any visits to new doctors. (they always want to know what meds they are one, and he takes almost 20).

About a month ago I ordered him a box and watchband thingy so he can call for help. He's fallen twice and both times got to the phone and called me to come get him up. He is afraid to call 911, so I programmed this to call me first, and then 2 different neighbors who have keys before calling 911. I really like it, and it makes him feel better knowing they won't just call 911 without contacting me first. 30 bucks a month, no charge for the machine and shipped to us free. It's called Life Station and the operators that answer the calls are actually in this country, amazing. I did research since there are a bunch of folks selling these, and this place had great reviews.
It all boils down to whatever makes you or the person your taking care of feels most comfortable with.

The bracelet I'm talking about doesn't do anything but tell the paramedics your previous health circumstances. They know better how to treat you if you have a problem and they arrive in an ambulance. In my case a bracelet would tell them I was diabetic so they would check my blood sugar to see if that was the problem.

Help, I"ve fallen and can"t get up!

My wife has one. One fee up front to cover material and engraving. No yearly "membership fee" for her.

I wear one of the engraved bracelet for about the last ten years. Wife talked me into it because I was on the road and if I was in a accident nobody would know my medical history. Have never had to use it. Mine cost about $45.00 through drug store and no other charges after that.

That is like the one my wife had. Don't understand why you would pay a monthly fee. She had hers for seven years never paid anything. Except when she bought it.

My wife also wears one for diabetes and allergy to penicillin. Info is engraved on the bracelet. initial purchase cost around $20 (maybe a little more, it's been a few years). No additional cost. Any pharmacy should have ordering information.

Wish I had one that warned me before I did something stupid. Keeping batteries in it might be tough...

Aaron

I got a medical dog tag that came with a card that
goes in your wallet. The dog tag lists your medical condition. You list your meds, Doctors
etc. on the card. Got it on Amazon.com, Ebay also
has them.
Good Luck

My 92 year old Dad has one, he lives alone.
Talk to a local alarm co. I'm not sure what it cost but it is inexpensive. Hooks to your phone line. When the panic butten is pressed - the alarm co. has a list of phone #s to call. First is Me, then my sister. If we don't answer they call the ambelance.
His is a pendent to hang on his neck. Works good.

Sorry - I forgot to add - Check with ins. co. they may pay some ot all of the cost. or medicare

Any ambulance, or paramedic types reading this ?
Do you look for necklaces, or bracelets ?

Those can be really helpful in a foreign country, too. My wife, a diabetic, was having a severe spell of low blood sugar and needed to get back to her hotel in Amsterdam. The cabbie thought she was drunk and refused to let her in his cab. After she showed him the bracelet, everything worked out.

We always look for bracelets or necklace pendants as part of our initial exam, especially if there is no other person there to give information. we also check for a "vial of life" in the refrigerator with medical information. these are free at many drug stores or from your EMS provider.

Aunt had extreme allergy to penecillin-found out when it almost killed her. Wore Medic Alert for maybe 30 years. Had traffic accident while wearing it and emergency medics noted it. Good insurance and great peace of mind. Hers was engraved bracelet, probably initial charge but no monitoring program/charges.