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New 911 items 

Some new advances for 911′ medical alert advances when ‘seconds count’ include-
in home wireless devices- no land line needed; small compact Mobile solutions – ResCube mobile; fashionable interchangeable/ waterproof cases and new mobile alarm sensor technology for fall detection.

The best first aid apps for iPhone and iPad – appPicker


Medical bracelets go high-tech—USA TODAY


Medical bracelets have been around for years. These standard issue bracelets alert emergency personnel to your medical conditions. However, the days of silver-colored bracelets are long gone.

The first thing you’ll notice is how they look now. Some aren’t bracelets at all. You’ll find pendants, watches, key chains, ones that fit on your shoelaces and even flash drives.

 

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More importantly, they provide instant access to your entire health record. Here’s a look at what’s available.

CARE Medical History Bracelet
The CARE Medical History Bracelet is available at your local drugstore for around $20. The colorful bracelet is loaded with software to help you manage your medical information. You can list your medications and conditions. It can also store emergency contact information and your insurance information.

There is no subscription fee, and nothing is stored online. When the bracelet is connected to a PC or Mac via USB, access to your data is provided. You can update the information on the bracelet at any time.

MedicAlert
MedicAlert is perhaps the most well-known company to make medical IDs. They offer a wide variety of medical ID styles, starting from $10. The ID contains a toll-free phone number and an identification number. This allows medical personnel to obtain your records. The service also notifies family members in the event of an emergency.

There is an annual membership fee that costs $40 for adults and $30 for children. After the first year, it drops to $30 for adults and $15 for kids. The service will store your entire medical history; you can update it online any time.

American Medical ID
American Medical ID also makes a variety of medical IDs. You’ll find necklaces, bracelets and key chains starting from $25. You can have conditions and allergies engraved on the ID. Additionally, you can put your access code to an online database containing your medical records. Emergency personnel can access your information.

There’s no subscription fee when you buy an ID; it is free for life. You can join the registry without buying an ID. There is a $30 one-time charge. American Medical ID also makes the e-MedTAG ($30). This is a stainless steel thumb drive that looks like a dog tag. Use it to store your medical records. It can also hold emergency contacts, a living will and insurance details.

Invisible Bracelet
If you don’t want to wear a medical ID, consider Invisible Bracelet. Start by signing up on its site. You’ll pay $10 annually for a membership. Then, you can upload your medical information to the site. You can also provide emergency contact information. When you need, you can update your information on the site.

You’ll get a key fob and wallet card. These provide a PIN to unlock your information. Anyone can access information, like emergency contacts, that you label public. This can be done through a simple text message. Registered emergency responders can access more information.

Med-InfoChip
Med-InfoChip makes a thumb drive that you can keep in your wallet. You can also put it on a key chain or a lanyard. Prices start at $70 for a single profile. When it’s connected to a PC or Mac, a program opens. It can contain your medical profile including allergies and medications. You can also include medical directives and emergency contacts.

All this sounds great but big questions remain. In the event of an accident and you cannot speak for yourself, do emergency personnel know to look on your person for these bracelets, pendants, key chains and flash drives? And do they even have time to access the data?

Most EMTs and first responders know to look for medical bracelets. When seconds count, if you have an allergy or life-threatening condition, it might be best to stick to the old-fashioned bracelets.

Finally, don’t forget to list your emergency contacts on your phone. Medical professionals are trained to look for ICE (in case of emergency) in your phone’s contact or address book. List medications and important medical information like allergies and conditions here, too.