Medical Identification Cards for Children
Children who suffer from conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy or allergic reactions to food or medicine should carry a medical identification card and wear medical identification jewelry. These two types of identification will ensure that emergency personnel provide treatment without complicating pre-existing conditions.
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Emergency Situations
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According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, more than 30 million children each year receive acute and life-saving care in the nation's emergency departments. A medical identification card will alert first responders of your child's condition, helping to pinpoint the cause of the emergency, as well as any limitations in its treatment.
Gathering Medical History Information
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Gather information on your child's doctors, diagnoses, and hospitalizations for reference in emergencies (see the Medical History Form under "Resources" for what to include). You will want to use this form if your child suffers from any condition like life-threatening allergies, or any disease that requires daily medications and monitoring. Post this information to your refrigerator (so that sitters and first-responders can have the information) and provide copies to your child's school or daycare facility.
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Medical Identification Card
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A smaller medical identification card should be kept in your child's backpack or lunch box for bus rides and field trips. This allows the information in the above form to be carried in a condensed form, for reference if the child is involved in an emergency away from home or school.
Medical Identification Jewelry
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Children with conditions that require special care could be helped in emergencies by wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace. Bracelets are now available especially for kids, with beads, charms and leather bands that look like popular jewelry. An eye-catching appearance helps the child want to wear it, and also invites other children to ask questions and learn about the condition behind it.
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References
- American College of Emergency Physicians: When Your Child Has an Emergency
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Consent for Emergency Medical Services for Children and Adolescents; Pediatrics Vol. 111 No. 3 March 2003, pp. 703-706
- Emergency Care for You: Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Needs
- Identifind.com: Medical Identification Card
Resources
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