How to Identify a Bariatric Wristband

Patients with a history of heart problems may be referred to as coronary patients, whereas "bariatric patient" is used to refer to an individual who has undergone a gastric band or bypass procedure. If one becomes injured at some point following bariatric surgery, emergency responders need to be aware that his body is different; hence, wearing a bariatric medical alert bracelet will save a new stomach pouch from potential compromise.

Instructions

• 1

  Look on the patient's body for a medical alert bracelet. Wristbands come in many different trendy styles, so look closely at any costume jewelry or pendants.

• 2

  Find the caduceus, or historical symbol of medicine, on the wristband to positively identify it as a medical alert bracelet. This symbol is composed of a staff or rod with wings and two snakes intertwined around the rod. It is traditionally red in color on medic alert bracelets, but may not have this distinctive coloring on more trendy jewelry.

• 3

  Look for the patient's name and identifying data on the wristband. Confirm that the wristband belongs to the patient before assuming he has have a bariatric condition. Check for another method of identification, such as an identification card or ask nearby family members for confirmation.

• 4

  Read the instructions, if any, on the medical alert wristband. Gastric bypass or lapband patients should not receive certain emergency interventions as they can compromise the stomach pouch. Following surgery, this pouch is about the size of a walnut and cannot hold large amounts of fluid.

• 5

  Call the medical director for further instruction; however, typically bariatric patients cannot receive NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which will cause severe stomach pain. These patients also should not have nasogastric tubes inserted for the risk of lacerating the stomach pouch. The medical alert bracelet may read: NO NSAIDS, NO NG Tubes and even NO sugars if the patient is also diabetic.