Medical USB Devices

Claudia, Right, they're a usb flash drive that you can use to store emergency contacts and medical information. They have built-in software for both Windows and Mac computers so emergency personnel can plug them into their lap-tops or whatever. I'm wondering, though, if EMT's globally are aware of them.

I just use ID tags from FinishSafe.com for the same purpose. You enter your information online (securely) and they provide you with tags that contain your name and an ID number that can be accessed by text message, online, or telephone 24/7 by any emergency personnel anywhere to retrieve your medical and contact information. They provide a variety of tag sizes for various purposes, as well as a card to carry in your wallet. Like the previous poster suggested, I'm not sure that foreign medical personnel would even think to look for a USB drive, but they would notice an emergency card in your wallet (or on your keyring).

Gary, Could you provide a bit of further information on "Medical USB Devices"? I'm not entirely clear on what type of devices you're referring to?

@Ken going to take a shot in the dark here but think Gary is referring to an ICE medical Flash drive or something similar.
A flash drive where all your medical info is located (i.e. medications, allergies, etc) that could be used by emergency personnel if the owner was incapacitated.

Gary, Thanks for the clarification. I used to work as an EMT / Paramedic, and have never heard of these (no doubt these were implemented after I retired). While it sounds like a good idea, I'm not sure it's entirely practical. A few thoughts...... > It's not likely there would be a PC available in the Ambulance to connect a flash drive. Accessing medical information would have to wait until arrival at Hospital. > The same limitation applies to web-based methods. > I'd probably consider a less "high tech" solution such as a Medic Alert bracelet, with supplemental information carried in my Money Belt and in my luggage. Cheers!

I have created a form that I use for myself and for my mother-in-law (I am her caregiver - she's had a stroke, heart problems and,recently a hip fracture). The form is simple, gives all basic bio info (name, dob, address, insurance etc.)lists all meds ("real" name, generic name, doseage info (amount, times taken etc.), medical "problems", doctors' names and phone #s, pharmacy name and #, and the second page has a "layman's" medical history summary. If you would like a sample/blank copy, just send me a private message. Not to brag, but the emergency medical technitions, doctors, nurses and our pharmacist have complementented me on the form.

Nobody in her/his right mind will connect an usb-drive from an unknown source to a network full of confidential patient data. And I wouldn't expect German ambulances or ERs to have extra "sandbox computers" (not connected to the confidential data) they could use for such a purpose. In this case I think that the low tech alternative (i.e. human readable paper) is more viable.