There's a growing trend in the "medic alert" field...one that some in the pre-hospital and emergency medical system are finding hard to support...medical alert tattoos.
The EMS Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC) have issued a statement saying they do not promote the use of tattoos to provide medical information to Paramedics, and I agree with their position. The use of non-traditional abbreviations, the reliability of a tattoo to remain easily read and the fact that medical conditions often change and require additional or amended alerts makes me question the long-term dependability of this "medic alert" form.
The more conventional MedicAlert necklace or bracelet remains my preference when it comes to alerting Paramedics of important emergency medical conditions. Not only is it easily recognized, but it also provides valuable patient and provider support when needed most.
At the risk of sounding "old fashioned"...this is one aspect of health care where I'll take tradition over new-age trends.
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