Member's Corner

Please tell them to call!

Because I have a complex medical condition, my MedicAlert bracelet reads 'call for info'. But when I met with the emergency department of my local hospital, the manager said, “We never call. We don't have time.” Because of my meeting, that policy has now changed, but I wonder how many other emergency departments have a 'no call' policy. If anything happened to me (God forbid), the emergency department folks need to have the extra information that won't fit on my bracelet. Please, please educate hospital emergency departments about the importance of making that call. – Pamela

Thank you for initiating this change at your local hospital. You’ve helped yourself and many others in your community. As MedicAlert is the only lifesaving medical device with a 24-hour emergency hotline, we recognize the serious implications when health professionals don’t take advantage of this feature. Our effort to educate Canadian healthcare professionals is ongoing. For example, our national LOOK-READ-CALL educational campaign reinforces our hotline service and highlights the fact that it only takes 5 seconds for a medical professional to reach a live MedicAlert agent and gain access to our member’s complete emergency medical information. Thanks again for speaking out and we will continue to ensure that our members’ voices are clearly heard in every emergency. – Robert

To update or not to update

My vocal chords spasm when I am exposed to different inhaled irritants, but not all of my triggers are known and I am on a waiting list to see an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist. As I lose my voice when this happens, what would be the best way to keep my information up-to -date? Idiopathic Angioedema and Spastic Dysphonia are listed on my bracelet. Should I call and update my info with each trigger as it is discovered? I also carry a multi-dose vial of Epinephrine for intramuscular injections and had to use it at 25,000 feet on a flight home recently. I live in Nova Scotia where the information is available to paramedics. Are there any other provinces linked to MedicAlert with their EMS? – Dawna

Thank you for sharing your story. It is vital that members keep us informed anytime there is a change in medical or personal information. Because healthcare professionals can access our 24-hour emergency hotline for the most up-to-date critical health information you’ve provided, your profile should remain current at all times. You can update your medical and/or personal profile anytime online through My MedicAlert at medicalert.ca or contact member services at 1-800-668-1507. The pilot program for Access En Route in Nova Scotia was very successful and provided us with the learning necessary to start developing similar programs in other parts of Canada. Check our website regularly for updates. – Robert