MedicAlert - We Speak For You - 50 Years Protecting Canadians

Ask Robert

Robert Ridge is President and CEO of Canadian MedicAlert Foundation.

• Want to know where Robert stands on current healthcare issues?
• Want to know more about MedicAlert, our mission?

Ask Robert! Please check back within one business day for Robert’s response*.

We will publish your questions and Robert's responses here and from time to time, in our newsletters. This is just another way to let you know that your opinion matters to us.

*In the event that Robert is not available, a member of the MedicAlert management team will respond on his behalf.

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Recent Questions

I have lived and travelled in other countries. I have never found anything like MedicAlert. Why is this?

Can this program be expanded into another country such as Japan? The reason I ask this is that I have found a lot of children that have severe allergies and other conditions but have nothing to help them in an emergency. The mothers I have spoken to from other countries that have this concern were very suprised to know about this program and see my daughter's bracelet. They hoped a program like ours would come to their country. I look forward to your response. – Erica

Thank you for taking the time to write in and express your concern for the need of our service around the world. MedicAlert currently has 10 affiliates that serve 25 countries. Unfortunately, Japan is not one of the countries served by a MedicAlert affiliate at this time.

Expansion to more countries takes time and financial resources to make such an investment. Of course, our hope is that one day we can provide a solution to extend the MedicAlert lifesaving service to everyone who needs it no matter where in the world they might live. – Robert

Can I lead a healthy life with COPD?

Dr robert i have been diagnosed with copd. in your opinion is this something i can live through or is it going to stop me from living a normal healthy life ? i went through an acute severe pancreatis attack in march 2010, still alive so far but very damaged goods. 18 days in nygh and walked out. please let me know your opinion. – Paula

Thanks Paula – you're not alone in asking the question of whether you can have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and still lead a healthy life. While I'm not a doctor, I can advise you to speak to your family physician about his/her perspective on the matter. I would also encourage you to find resources and people that can help you learn more about COPD and how you can manage it. One such source is The Lung Association, which offers tips on Living with COPD as well as an online community for people with COPD and their supporters – visit teamcopd.ca. You might also find it useful to become a part of the MedicAlert community at Facebook.com/MedicAlertCanada and reach out to others who can share their experiences with you. – Robert

Checking for MedicAlert

I took a first aid/CPR course and was told by the instructors that they do not check for MedicAlert bracelets as they prefer to assess the person's signs and symptoms rather than make assumptions (e.g., check if person is choking instead of assuming they need the EpiPen). What do you make of this?

Also, what should I put on my bracelet, and also my son's: "allergic to" or "anaphylactic to"? Why do you offer the choice?

Finally, am I able to request that "carries EpiPen" is also engraved on the bracelet? – Mary

Let me start by assuring you that 100% of paramedics are trained to look for body worn identification and all check for a medical identification when assessing a patient. We would be more than happy to share some educational materials with your first aid instructor about the benefits of checking a MedicAlert ID in conjunction with assessing the unconscious person’s vital signs. Just send us the mailing details.

When purchasing a new MedicAlert ID through our website, we provide several “reaction” options to the allergen(s) you indicate in the process. Having “anaphylaxis to” something implies a life-threatening allergic reaction. This communicates a more immediate sense of urgency, which is crucial in the event of a medical emergency. The more specific information we can provide to emergency responders, the better the outcome can be.

You can request to have “Carries EpiPen” engraved on the back of your ID. To determine the best engraving for you and your son’s ID,  I would encourage you to give us a call at 1.800.668.1507 and ask for one of our medical specialists to assist you. – Robert

Have you heard about ICE (in case of emergency) and UTAG?

UTAG's are digital dogtags that plug into any USB port and store vital personal and medical data. The creator of UTAG was often working in dangerous environments (military in Afghanistan) and needed something that could store vital personal data, could easily be seen and identified as containing emergency information and be worn in a visible place. It clearly displays the international medical symbol (the snake and staff) and the letters 'ICE' an acronym recognised by Emergency Services meaning 'In Case of Emergency'.

Also, did you know that Canada is building a nationwide network for electronic health records (EHRs)?

This network will connect pharmacies, hospitals, specialists, labs, and walk in clinics that often keep electronic records but do not always share vital up-to-date infomation with each other. This network will centralize all this information and will reduce medication conflicts, misdiagnoses and redundant medical tests.

MY QUESTION TO YOU: Is MedicAlert going to step into the 21st Century and adopt similar technology? Let's be proactive about our health!

I would like to get your feedback on this issue. – Karen

We are familiar with I-C-E and suggest that members set that up on their mobile device. Identifying your ‘in case of emergency’ contacts will come in handy in many instances, not just for medical reasons.

With respect to USB devices, there are several reasons why we believe they will not work as intended:

• when seconds count, the time required to access the information from a USB may be too long;
• paramedics and other health professionals will not likely plug the device into their computer because of the threat of viruses and other malware;
• Paramedics tell us that they need the right information highly distilled and documented in a consistent format that can be acted upon quickly, they simply don’t have the time to review a lengthy medical history

I have made reference to storing personal and medical information in my blog last June.

Lastly, MedicAlert has been working on developing relationships with key partners on the emerging Electronic Health Record system for Canada. Last May, we became one of the founding partners in the Telus Health Space platform. The concept underlying Health Space is to create a community where individuals can better manage their health information by providing better tools to integrate and consolidate that information. Play video >

As well, Canada Health Infoway, the agency responsible for Electronic Health Record adoption in Canada, partnered with us to develop our MedicAlert Access En Route project which allows the direct transfer of member information to paramedics in Nova Scotia. – Robert

I already had it

I asked my doctor what my chances of getting COPD were and he said because I had smoked for over 40 years I already had it. I had a breathing test which turned out normal but now am wondering without proper diagnosis whether I should have my information engraved on my bracelet to include COPD. I do have some of the signs but no longer suffer from chronic bronchitis like I used to. – Lori

Thank you for writing to me. Even without additional symptoms our Medical Specialists recommend that you update your profile and identification with this condition as it may put you at risk of other health problems. Please contact your member services representative at 1.800.668.1507 to include COPD in your profile.

As with all changes, it is important to ensure that anytime there is a change to your medical and/or personal profile, it is critically important that you contact us immediately with this information. This ensures that health professionals have access to your most up-to-date information at all times, particularly in an emergency. Updates can be made online anytime through your My MedicAlert account or with your member services representative Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST. – Robert

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. Taking this step will not only help you but many others in your community as well.

As MedicAlert is the only life saving medical device with a 24 hour emergency hotline, we recognize the significant implication when health professionals don’t take advantage of this feature.

We place significant efforts in educating health professionals across Canada. Our national LOOK-READ-CALL educational campaign reinforces our hotline service and highlights the fact that it only takes 5 seconds for a health professional to gain access to our member’s critical health information.

Thank you once again for furthering MedicAlert’s educational campaign and we will continue to ensure that our member’s voice is clearly heard in the event of an emergency. – Robert

Where’s my MedicAlert?

I'm a recent member. I bought the stainless steel dogtag. Now I'm wondering if a small-town ambulance service will check for it. Any ideas? – Jeff

Emergency health professionals are trained to look for body worn MedicAlert identifications. Our national health professional training program highlights that MedicAlert identifications can be found on the wrist, neck and feet.

The MedicAlert dog tag has been part of our identification collection for quite some time and is one of the most popular choices amongst our members. You made the right choice. – Robert

To update or not to update

I am in the process of finding out what my condition/allergy is. My vocal chords spasm when I am exposed to different inhaled irritants. As not all of my triggers are known and I am on a waiting list for an ENT specialist. What would be the best way to keep my information up to date as I lose my voice when this happens? 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 Epi for IM injections and had to use it at 25000 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 this with me. It is vital that members keep us informed anytime there is a change in medical and personal information. Because healthcare professionals can access our 24 hour emergency hotline for your critical health information, your profile should remain current at all times.

You can update your medical and/or personal profile anytime online through My MedicAlert or contact member services at 1.800.668.1507.

As for MedicAlert’s Access En Route program in Nova Scotia, the pilot was very successful and provided us with the learning necessary to start developing similar programs in other parts of Canada. I will continue keep our members apprised of any new development in the program. – Robert

Help him stay safe and independent

My 12 year son has epilepsy and takes Trileptal twice a day. He wears a MedicAlert bracelet. Following a recent hospitalization for uncontrollable grand mal seizures (status epilepticus), we are now afraid to leave him alone. He used to walk to school but now we ensure that he is accompanied either by us or a trusted family friend. He craves his independence. What do you suggest? – Malak

Thank you for your message. In this situation, I would recommend that you speak to your son’s Neurologist or the Canadian Epilepsy Association for their recommendations on living and coping with epilepsy. Wearing his MedicAlert identification at all times is certainly one way in which both he and you can feel safe that there is someone there to speak for him in the event of an emergency. However, if he is having frequent seizures, it is best that you seek the advice of his doctor to ensure that he remains safe at all times. – Robert

More education is needed about MedicAlert!

Reading your column reminded me of our experience last year. My 11 year old daughter was in an Ontario gymnastics competition. She was asked by one of the judges to remove her MedicAlert bracelet, although the bracelet fit snugly and was not dangerous. My daughter's coach tried to convince the judge that she should be allowed to leave the bracelet on, despite the 'no jewelry' rule, but the judge would not allow it and my daughter had to remove the bracelet before being allowed to compete. Gymnastics Ontario is the organization that governs these events. Perhaps your organization could outreach to help them understand the importance of not removing MedicAlert items. – Rebecca

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I will follow up with the Ontario Gymnastic Federation to reaffirm and educate them on the importance of wearing a medical identification as a life saving device, and should not be recognized as standard jewelry. Based on my experience with other sports organizations, I am confident that we will be successful in our efforts. If your daughter does not have a MedicAlert sweatband currently, I would suggest that you order one for her to wear during practice & competition. Please let the coaches know about her condition and where her MedicAlert will be stored in the event of an emergency. – Robert

Please Educate - MedicAlert is more than just a bracelet.

I took for granted the bracelet, the process and the technology involved in creating an accurate health care record for my son. However, this information is of little importance when pivotal members in our society still regard the identification as jewelry. We need to educate our teachers, referees and coaches about the importance of this assistive device.

My 13 year old son was told to remove the bracelet for a basketball game and was given no alternatives or options. I am still dealing with the fall out from this incident in January 2010. – H.J.

Fortunately, many teachers, referees and coaches are familiar with MedicAlert identification and understand its importance in protecting and saving lives. The Canadian Soccer Association, for instance, issued a memorandum that MedicAlert products are the only exception to their “no jewelry” rule after discussions with us. We will continue to work with other sports associations. Where additional education is required, our efforts are usually successful.

If you or someone you know has experienced a similar situation, I encourage you to contact me and I will follow up with the specific association. – Robert

Can we be safe and fashionable?

We have an autistic 21 year old living in a group home with other young men - he is incapable of holding a conversation, can be very aggressive and might rebel at wearing a bracelet or necklace. We also have a young business woman with a life threatening condition who is fashion conscious and may not want to telegraph a medical condition to the world. Any suggestions on how we can get them to wear their MedicAlert ID. Thanks. – Don

If you are having difficulty convincing your loved one to wear his or her MedicAlert ID, seek the support of a trusted friend or medical professional such as their physician. Sometimes this additional support can help build greater understanding and acceptance. As for your fashion conscious young lady, let her know that MedicAlert carries a broad line of fashionable identification products and introduces new styles regularly. – Robert