Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy9
I personally would not write "intubate for myasthenia gravis" because they won't have a clue what that means and they are not going to intubate you because your bracelet says so. Just saying you have MG is very helpful. My son is an EMT and in an ambulance they are lucky if they even check for a bracelet (they usually don't.) In an emergency setting they are only to read a couple of words. Having more info they can access when they are gathering more info is great.
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Stats I came across:
"American Medical ID recently surveyed emergency medical professionals ranging from first responders to paramedics. Among the results: More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies. More than 75 percent look for a medical ID immediately upon assessing a patient. 95 percent look at the patient's wrist to find a medical ID, and 68 percent look for an ID on the patient's neck."
Odds are good the ambulance crew or ER doctor will notice the bracelet.
Recalling a comment made by AnnieB3: "A well-known MG expert said ... it takes an average of one year for a man to be diagnosed with MG but an average of seven years for a woman to be. " Stats like these indicate unfamiliarity with the disease. I feel more comfortable directing EMT or nursing staff about what to do rather than what I have. If I'm gasping for air, I don't want my respiratory distress to continue unabated or be aggravated by their pushing me down onto the table, telling me to relax or Googling MG. If by chance they see my bracelet saying 'Intubate for MG', their brains (hopefully) will tell them, "Hmmm... maybe I should intubate for MG" which could hasten proper treatment. I'll bet the ponies it's more helpful than hurtful.
southblues: "Myasthenia Gravis - Support Respiration" -- I like it.