This Is Why Medical Alert Enamel Pins Are Important

Medical alert pins can give first responders and strangers around your information they need to help you in case of a medical emergency.

Why are medical alert pins important? There are multiple medical issues that can present in any situation, and it is crucial for strangers around you to understand what is happening and how to help you. For example, if you have diabetes and begin to exhibit symptoms, strangers around you will see the pin and help you.

There are many kinds of medical issues that require an alert pin, bracelet, or necklace to let people around you know what is going on in the event that you are incapable of communicating due to being unconscious or otherwise incapacitated. This article will go over when and where to wear a medical alert pin.

Why People Wear Medical Alert Pins

Pins stand out and draw the eye, which means that if you are experiencing a medical event and need help, the people around you will be able to see and read the message on the pin and know what to do. They also make it easier for first responders to understand any particular circumstances that might apply to you. There are multiple reasons why you might wear a medical alert pin, but doctors usually recommend them for the following conditions.

Chronic Conditions

Ongoing medical problems need an alert pin since it is highly likely that they will occur repeatedly. This includes things like diabetes, narcolepsy, epilepsy, and asthma. They can affect you anywhere, and at any time, so it is best always to be prepared.

Recent Surgery

Many complications can arise after a recent surgery, so if you plan to go out either with friends or alone, then it is a good idea to have a medical alert pin on in case you experience any of them. In these cases, you will most likely be on several medications, so a pin listing those medications can be useful as well.

Experiencing High Risk of Medical Event

You might be at much higher risk than others for possibly experiencing a medical event like a heart attack. If a doctor has said that you are at a very high risk of something happening, then having an alert pin is a good idea until the risk decreases.

Common Medical Alert Pins

While there are hundreds of medically relevant reasons to wear an alert pin, some of the most common are listed below. These are medical issues that millions of people face daily and can result in unconsciousness or severe debilitation, which may make you unable to communicate with others verbally.

Diabetes

If you have diabetes and your blood sugar falls too low, it might happen before you are able to get help even if you are in a crowded area. The resulting confusion and exhaustion might make it hard to let people know what you need, which is where your alert pin would come in. It can communicate for you.

Narcolepsy

If you abruptly fall asleep or are incapable of moving, then your pin will allow people to understand that you are experiencing a medical issue.

Seizure or Epilepsy

Seizures and epilepsy can be very frightening for anyone, and if you have an event in public, then a pin will help others know what is happening.

Allergies

One of the initial symptoms during a lot of allergic reactions is a swelling of the throat, which makes talking hard or impossible. Having a medical alert pin that lists your allergies and medication (e.g., if you have an epi-pen on your person), then you will get help faster. Time is of the essence with allergic reactions.

If You Are on Blood Thinners

This is very important to have listed somewhere that first responders will be sure to see it. If you are in an accident or have an injury of some kind, then it is vital that they understand you require special treatment to accommodate the blood thinners.

List Your Current Medications

Some conditions require a significant list of medications with serious side effects. If this is the case, then wearing a pin with your current list of medications can help medical responders know how to treat you.

Alzheimer’s or Other Conditions with Memory Issues or Cognitive Decline

Older people with cognitive impairments and individuals with memory issues often wander away from known areas and get lost. Their mental confusion can make it hard for them to get help in finding their way home. A medical alert pin for a condition like Alzheimer’s can include a number for reaching their caregiver.

Additional Conditions

There are hundreds of medical conditions that can affect day-to-day life and might manifest at any moment. A few other times where it can be useful to wear a medical alert pin includes the following.

• Asthma
• Heart Problems (e.g., history of strokes or heart attacks)
• Pacemaker
• Cancer

Where and When to Wear Your Medical Alert Pin

Your pin will do zero good if no one can see it. You need to know when and where it is best to wear your medical alert pin. Pairing it with another medical alert tool like a bracelet or necklace will double the likelihood that someone will notice them and get you the help that you need.

Highly Visible Location

You want the pin to be highly visible and on an article of clothing that will not fall off or be removed during a medical episode. This means you want to avoid putting it on things like hats, which can fall off easily. The shirt lapel, a lanyard, or an outer layer such as a coat are all excellent choices.

Whenever You Go Out

Even if you are only going out to a location across the street from where you live, there is still a chance you could experience a medical event. It is best to get used to wearing your medical alert pin any time you leave your home. This will become an ingrained habit and make it less likely that you will accidentally forget it.