Re: Carrying information

[Sue Brown <sbrown@wamedes.com>]

>This isn't for everyone, I'm certain, but here's an idea...I know a nurse in 
>Seattle who has her bloodtype, her allergies and her name tattoed on her 
>chest. She also has the words "Do not resuscitate", meaning she doesn't want 
>any extraordinary measures taken to extend her life should she need it. Sort 
>of a living will? I think the idea of bloodtype and allergies tattooed where 
>an EMT or a emergency room tech could see it is smart. If you are 
>unconscious, such information could save precious seconds.
>Michelle
>MBlanchrd@aol.com
>

This is a joke, right???  I can see blood type, but names and allergies
change.  There are so many new drugs on the market all of the time, there's
endless possibilities for future allergies.  And "Do not resuscitate" means
literally that...if you should ever have a heart attack, no one would be
able to do CPR -- and prompt CPR with subsequent follow-up medical/surgical
care is what saves lives.  DNR on a patients chart normally means that they
are terminally ill, or incredibly old and infirm, and resuscitating would
not have the desired outcome since they are expected to die soon.  The only
thing that you can do is to have a living will that would prevent someone
from maintaining you on life support when there's no hope of you living
with the machines or feedings turned off.

A packet in the rider's fanny pack or an arm packet really sounds like a
good idea.  I carry my drivers license, my insurance card, and my list of
allergies, blood type, etc. in my fanny pack when I ride.  During a
competition, especially with people being so far away from regular medical
help, this would be a very helpful thing should someone fall (or have a
heart attack, stroke, etc.)

Sue

sbrown@wamedes.com
Tyee Farm
Marysville, Wa.