What Information Should Be on My Child's Medical Bracelet?

Every parent's nightmare is that their child may end up in the hospital. Even worse, what if your child is hospitalized, and you aren't there to provide vital medical information? A medical ID bracelet can speak when a child or a parent can't.

Medical ID Bracelet

• Many companies today produce bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry items that can be engraved with pertinent medical information, in case there is an emergency and the wearer can't speak for himself.

Important Information

• The most important thing that can be listed on a medical ID bracelet is pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, autism or any other condition that might even remotely have an impact on treatment. Food, drug and insect allergies should also be included.

Medications

• A list of medications currently being taken should also be included on a separate wallet card. The bracelet should direct emergency medical personnel to refer to this card. If your child does not carry a wallet, have the card readily available elsewhere on their person or include the list on the bracelet.

What Not to Include

• Including medical insurance information or Social Security information is extremely dangerous, as this information can be used for identity theft. It is also irrelevant to emergency medical treatment.

Benefits of Wearing an ID

• The vital information on a medical ID can keep medical caregivers from administering a drug that might interfere with another drug the wearer is taking, prevent misdiagnosis and other improper treatment, and speed the treatment process.