Canadian MedicAlert Foundation
If you or a loved one are coping with Home Parenteral Enteral Nutrition then there may, occasionally, be times when you need urgent medical attention outside of normal hours. One of the main causes of concern is infection but there may be other problems including hyperglycemia or thrombosis. Medicalert devices can be life saving in such situations.
MedicAlert Devices in an Emergency
When an emergency occur time is of the essence. There is no room for delay, uncertainty or error. The accuracy of the medical information provided in an emergency is critical.
This is where the MedicAlert Foundation has built universal recognition. Whenever emergency medical personnel see the MedicAlert safety device they know that important information regarding the individual’s medical conditions is immediately available.
History of the MedicAlert Foundation
The concept of MedicAlert© began with Dr. Marion and Chrissie Collins after their daughter Linda had an allergic reaction to tetanus antitoxin which sent her into a coma in 1953.
They realized that Linda needed to wear an alert message on her body at all times to prevent her from ever receiving a tetanus shot again, or she would likely die. It was only a small leap to extend this to others all over the world with similar issues.
Conditions warranting MedicAlert
Services
MedicAlert© is a 24-hour Emergency Response Center, that supplies accurate medical information anywhere, anytime, to first-response medical personnel. This is often vital information that assists in a correct and quick diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.
When a medical emergency happens, a MedicAlert© member is instantly identifiable by the emblem on a bracelet or pendant. Emergency medical personnel simply call the MedicAlert© 24-hour Emergency Response Center for key medical information.
Emergency personnel are always answered by a live operator and never put on hold. There are also interpreters available with a choice of 140 different languages. Once a call is received from emergency personnel, and verified to safeguard a member’s privacy and confidentiality, emergency medical information such as currently prescribed medications, allergies, and chronic medical conditions as well as physician, family contact, health plan information and any special end-of-life directives are quickly and accurately transmitted.
What else does MedicAlert do?
MedicAlert© also contacts the member’s physician and family members to relay information regarding the emergency and to which hospital the member is at. In essence, MedicAlert© speaks for members when they cannot speak for themselves.
There is a charge for the identification bracelet or pendant (together with a wallet card), currently $35 (CND), plus tax and shipping, for standard stainless steel. In addition, there is a range of metals available with corresponding costs.
Your personal records are maintained, including an annual confirmation and update reminders. After your first bracelet/pendent the only future cost would be if you need a new bracelet/pendent because of updated engraved information, wear, or simply want a change of style.
For Information or Membership Contact:
Canadian MedicAlert© Foundation
2005 Sheppard Avenue, Suite 800,
Toronto, Ontario, M2J 5B4
Telephone: (416) 696-2676, (800)668-1507
Fax: (800) 392-8422
Web Site: www.medicalert.ca
E-mail: medinfo@medicalert.ca
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