What medical alert device did you choose?

Posted by Kim Webb @mrjohnwebb, Oct 11, 2022

Looking for recommendation on personal medical alert devices like necklaces or bracelets. Could use an informed opinion from someone with experience.

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Profile picture for Steven @soarus57

Apple Watch for me. I have GPS and cellular so if I don’t have my phone, I can still make and receive calls. 20 bucks more a month but while I occasionally might not have my phone, if I leave the house I always wear my watch.

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I too have the Apple Watch and I fell. The watch started buzzing and vibrating and so did the phone. I was tangled in the chairs I was carrying. My wife was so emotional about turning off the phone before 911 was called, I thought she forgot about me. We laugh about the incident now but were glad the system worked when we needed it .

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I use my Apple Watch and mainly do this for my daughter’s peace of mind.
It is set up so she can additionally access my location, activity level, etc at any
time from her phone.

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I love my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro. The downside of all smart watches I know of, though, is that they don’t make your important medical information to First Responders. For anyone with health issues that could materially affect how First Responders, or hospitals might treat you, that can make a big difference.

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Each person’s situation is slightly different. In your case you might want lights so your husband can see them since he can’t hear. You ideally want someone who can respond locally quickly to help.

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I have an Apple Watch. I like it. It has many features and it works well.
A few weeks ago as the day went on, I just didn’t feel right and when I went to bed, my face felt hot. I took my temperature it was.100.2 Not a big temp just a little thing.
Next morning I got a thing and I opened up the Apple app. It said we detected a couple of things. One was heart rate respiratory. This could be because I could have a virus or I had too much caffeine the day before.
Well, it was right. I did have a virus, but I got a kick out of too much caffeine.
Wish you the best

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Profile picture for wudalife2 - Walt Freese @wudalife2

I love my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro. The downside of all smart watches I know of, though, is that they don’t make your important medical information to First Responders. For anyone with health issues that could materially affect how First Responders, or hospitals might treat you, that can make a big difference.

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I keep my medical information in an envelope (DNR, medication list, emergency contacts) on the refrigerator door. In my area, this is where EMTs look for ir. Maybe check with your local station to see what their process is? Might give you some peace of mind. Just a thought...

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Profile picture for hellopam @hellopam

I keep my medical information in an envelope (DNR, medication list, emergency contacts) on the refrigerator door. In my area, this is where EMTs look for ir. Maybe check with your local station to see what their process is? Might give you some peace of mind. Just a thought...

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Thank you, @hellopam. I have a small folder with all important medical info, plus my doctors. The only problem may be that it’s filed away. I’ll definitely follow-up on your idea!

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Profile picture for hellopam @hellopam

I keep my medical information in an envelope (DNR, medication list, emergency contacts) on the refrigerator door. In my area, this is where EMTs look for ir. Maybe check with your local station to see what their process is? Might give you some peace of mind. Just a thought...

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@hellopam https://www.thefileoflife.org/ is who I highly recommend!

Our rural ambulance district promotes this, and I have the fridge sleeve in place with all the needed information. Like you, I have a DNR, and a copy of that is indeed included. In addition, I subscribe to MedicAlert Foundation, and have my bracelet on my right arm. Making sure that is kept up-to-date with information is crucial.

Something our local EMTs reminded me, is that while there seems to be medical alerts that use a QR scan code, if you are in an area with poor or no cell service, it can be difficult to know what info a first responder isn't getting!
Ginger

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Profile picture for hicopd @hicopd

Each person’s situation is slightly different. In your case you might want lights so your husband can see them since he can’t hear. You ideally want someone who can respond locally quickly to help.

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Hey. Thanks. That’s a route to follow. Vibration might work. Still thinking. He would have to change a few habits, but would probably be willing. Wonder who makes such a thing? Normal phone vibes would not be an option for us.

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I am 78 and I haven't thought about this. My husband is here so I guess I thought that was enough but now I see I need to do things. I would not have thought of the Fire and Rescue folks. I need to get busy. Thanks.

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