How to Get a Medical Alert Bracelet to Prevent Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is caused by a massive allergic reaction that can shut down your respiratory and pulmonary systems in a very short time. By wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies you as anaphylactic, and also describes the allergens that may affect you, you can receive medical treatment in a timely manner.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Medical alert bracelet
• Medical alert watch
• Medical alert sports band or dog tags
• Additional medical alert card for your wallet or purse
• Doctor or healthcare professional

1. Ask your doctor about obtaining an entire kit designed for individuals who may be susceptible to anaphylactic shock. These kits contain emergency doses of epinephrine, a medical alert bracelet and additional information about how to prevent anaphylaxis. Your doctor should be able to order these kits once you have been diagnosed as anaphylactic.

2. Get a medical alert bracelet to prevent anaphylactic shock that is custom made to your own specifications. Many companies that make medical alert bracelets offer a wide variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, silver, 14k gold or even platinum. You can also purchase a medical alert charm bracelet, or even an anklet.

3. Purchase a medical alert wrist watch as a functional alternative to the traditional medical alert bracelet. Most medical alert wrist watches feature the American Medical Association logo on the face and your name and medical condition on the back.

4. Use specific information when you get a medical alert bracelet to prevent anaphylactic shock. Note your name, your medical condition (in this case, "anaphylaxis") and the specific types of allergens that may cause you to go into anaphylactic shock. This will help emergency medical personnel to avoid time-consuming protocols for diagnosis.

5. Buy fashionable medical alert sport bands or dog tags for your children. These products are more durable than some of the more expensive ID bracelets, and withstand more punishment. These items are also generally less expensive, so you won't have to worry about the cost of replacement if your child loses or damages one.

6. Use online resources, such as American Medical ID, to purchase a medical alert bracelet to prevent anaphylactic shock (see Resources below). American Medical ID also offers watches, kids' bracelets, necklaces and accessories to keep your medical alert jewelry shiny and clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Put an additional identification card in your wallet or purse to explain your allergy to strangers in case of a medical emergency.

Resources

• American Medical ID to get a medical alert bracelet to prevent anaphylactic shock