HUNTER: Heres What to Know About Medical Alert Jewelry & Awareness Month

MedicAlert bracelets clearly state a persons medical conditions decrease errors by almost 50

By State Rep. Todd Hunter

AUSTIN Texas (Texas Insider Report)  The month of August is Medic Alert Awareness Month. For over 60 years the MedicAlert Foundation International (MAFI) has customized jewelry for people who suffer from life threatening medical conditions and today these medical alert bracelets necklaces and shoe tags help save millions of lives across the world annually.

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Dr. Marion Collins established MAFI after his daughter Linda nearly died of a severe allergic reaction during a simple non-life threatening medical procedure. Soon after the Collins family came up with the idea of inscribing Lindas medical condition on a bracelet rather than attaching a note to her coat everywhere she went without her parents.

MedicAlert bracelets are designed to clearly state what medical conditions a person suffers from.

And MedicAlert bracelets have decreased medical errors by almost 50 as well.

This month is dedicated to educating everyone about these medical alert bracelets to prevent another situation like Lindas from occurring.

In emergency situations good Samaritans and first responders must assess a situation as best as they can and react quickly with little to no information on what has caused the emergency (i.e. when a person collapses suddenly and/or becomes unresponsive).

These medical conditions include:

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  • Alzheimers Disease or Dementia
  • Anaphylaxis Shock
  • Asthma
  • Autism
  • Blood Disorder(s) or Anemia
  • Blood Thinners (Coumadin Warfarin)
  • Cancer
  • Cardiac Problems
  • Children with Special Needs;
  • Diabetes
  • Dialysis
  • Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Orders
  • Epilepsy or Seizures
  • Food or Drug Allergies
  • Hypertension
  • Lung Disease (like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or COPD)
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Pacemaker use and
  • Stroke Risk

In addition to stating what medical issue the victim may be suffering from MAFI provides a 24/7 Emergency Response phone number on their identification jewelry. By calling that phone number you will be able to receive information on the victims:

  • Current Medications & Dosage
  • Previous Medical & Surgery Information (i.e. concussion stroke etc.)
  • Access to Emergency Contacts (family members)
  • Their Primary Care Physicians contact information
  • If they have implanted Medical Devices
  • Advance Directives and more

Knowing this information can significantly assist you in your response to the individual and help expedite response from medical personnel once they arrive.

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MAFI is a non-profit charitable organization that partners with organizations like the Alzheimers Association the American Heart Association/Go Red for Women the American Hospital Association Emergency Nurses Association and many more to provide those in need with proper identification jewelry.

If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this article please dont hesitate to call my Capitol or District Offices. As always my offices are available at any time to assist with questions concerns or comments (Capitol Office: 512-463-0672; District Office: 361-949-4603).

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And always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas State Agency or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services.

Texas State Representative Todd Hunter represents Texas House District 32 covering Aransas Calhoun Nueces (Part) and San Patricio Counties. Email him at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov

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