Let’s talk about medical alert tags. I wanted to get one for a while, but never got around to it until Darcy decided to take it upon herself to get one for me. She got me one in the style a dog tag for Christmas. If you didn’t already know, I’m a big Top Gun guy, so a dog tag was the right choice for me – after all, they play a symbolic role in the greatest movie ever made!

I know it’s hard to think about, but medical alert tags are important in the event you’re found unresponsive some day. Medical alert tags convey essential information to EMS, ER departments and other first level providers to help them save your (or your loved one’s) life in an emergency situation. On my tag I list the following information:

  • NAME
  • DATE OF BIRTH
  • CYSTIC FIBROSIS
  • BLOOD TYPE
  • ALLERGIES

I definitely think people with cystic fibrosis should have them. In my case, allergies are a big stressor for me in a medical setting, and I know I would absolutely need to convey that to an emergency trauma team, especially because I am very allergic to chlorhexidine – something widely used in a medical setting. Think of it as advocating for yourself when you’re unable to physically do so.

My phone has supplemental information, too, since tags have limited space. Did you know most smart phones have an emergency page that is accessible even when they are locked? That’s right, it’s almost like a standalone emergency alert tag. The health app that comes with every iPhone contains a place (conveniently titled Medical ID) for you to list your medications, essential information (like what I put on my dog tag) and emergency contacts. I have my parents, sister, cousin and cystic fibrosis center listed as emergency contacts. EMS are trained to access this page in times of emergency.

The medication list also comes in handy whenever I’m in a situation where I need to recite it (before a procedure or something like that).

Preparation is essential, even if it is hard to think about, which is why we have partnered with Witz Jewelry Design in an effort to get more people thinking ahead and wearing Medical ID Tags. Witz Jewelry Design has pledged to donation a portion of the revenue from Medical ID Tag purchases to the Boomer Esiason Foundation… so that mean not only are you keeping yourself safe, you’re giving back to the cystic fibrosis community, too! Click HERE to design your dog tag or bracelet today!