Gives crucial information in a medical
emergency
by Gene Williams, PCI #597/EMSCI #072
Cypress Creek EMS
Houston, Texas
I came across a device a few years
ago, as an instructor for our International Tactical Operational Medical
Support Course. It was a three-part medical information system designed for
the Tactical Operator, consisting of three small information sheets. You
complete each one with the operator's personal and medical history and enclose
them in a waterproof pouch. The pouch is then affixed to the back of a driver's
license; secured around the neck with an enclosed dogtag-like chain; or stuck
to the inside of the operator's ballistic helmet. Each officer on our unit
utilizes this medical information system so that in the event that he or
she would be rendered unconscious, we have access to essential personal and
medical information. I have had this pouch in my ballistic helmet for about
three years, and it has stayed put.
The company, Medical Emergency Data Systems, Inc., has recently introduced
this same type of medical information system for public safety cyclists,
child safety seats, the elderly, and wilderness rescue personell. The one
for bike officers is similar to that designed for tactical officers. The
cyclist completes the information sheet, inserts it into a waterproof pouch
measuring 1" x 1.5", and affixes it to the inside of the bike helmet. A
¾-inch round, red and white insignia/decal is then placed on the outside
of the helmet. This reflective decal alerts emergency personnel to the presence
of the "Medical Information Carrier" inside the helmet.
As advocates of public safety, we should do our best to promote the use of
this tool. We should wear them ourselves, and encourage those with whom we
have contact to do the same. Many of us know first-hand the problems that
arise when we find an unidentified victim whose medical history is unknown.
Having this information available can mean the difference between life and
death.
As an IPMBA PC/EMS Instructor, I'm always looking for new ideas that promote
safety in cycling. The medical information carrier system is one of those
ideas. I display these devices during my courses and make them available
to the public during safety fairs and bicycle rodeos. In addition, Cypress
Creek EMS has become a distributor of this system since our agency has a
tactical medic response team, an EMS Bike Team and is a statewide child safety
seat inspection station.
The cost is as follows: Tactical - $5.00; Cyclist - $3.00; Child Safety Seat
- $5.00. This system is manufactured by Medical Emergency Data Systems, Inc.,
110 Capitol Park Drive, Sarver, PA 16055, (724) 295-1988,
www.meds.org. If you have
any questions or would like to place an order, contact the company directly
or me at gwilliams@ccems.com.
© 2004. This product review first appeared in the Spring 2004 issue
of IPMBA News. |
