Buying guide for Best medical bracelets
Managing a chronic medical condition isn’t just about remembering to take your medication or seeing your doctor regularly. It also requires being prepared for health emergencies when you may be unable to communicate. With a medical bracelet, you can trust that any medical personnel who assist you will know what your health issues are so they can provide proper treatment.
Medical bracelets resemble regular bracelets, but they’re engraved or embossed with specific medical or allergic conditions that EMTs or ER staff should know about in an emergency. You can find these bracelets in a variety of materials and styles. In addition to citing medical conditions and allergies, some bracelets also detail the medications you’re taking that could affect your treatment.
Key considerations
Medical bracelet benefits
A medical bracelet can provide information about your medical conditions, allergies, and medications that may be useful to first responders during an emergency.
The primary advantage is that EMTs who arrive on the scene will be better equipped to provide you with proper emergency care. Further, having a medical bracelet with your information can reduce the chance of a misdiagnosis or the administration of medicine you should not take.
The information on a medical bracelet can also help EMTs determine whether a situation is an emergency or not. For example, if you have epilepsy and normally experience several seizures a week, the responders may be able to deduce that you do not need certain interventions. If you were to have another medical issue, however, such as a brain tumor, a seizure could signify something more serious. A medical bracelet could help your caretakers figure this out.
Before EMTs or other medical personnel arrive at the scene, a medical bracelet can also help bystanders understand the type of aid you might need for prompt treatment.
Expert tip
Take your medical bracelet off your wrist for a little while every day to avoid any irritation from the bracelet.
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Material
The most common materials for medical bracelets are stainless steel, precious metal, leather, and rubber or silicone.
Stainless steel: This highly durable material resists rust. It isn’t prone to dents or scratches, either. For active wearers, a bracelet made of stainless steel may be the best choice.
Precious metal: Precious metals like gold and sterling silver look great, but they are not always as durable as stainless steel and can dent or scratch easily. However, these metals are less likely to irritate the skin than stainless steel.
Leather: Leather is comfortable and soft against the skin. It’s also fairly durable, though it isn’t waterproof. If you swim or spend a lot of time near water, leather may not be the best choice.
Rubber or silicone: These soft materials are comfortable to wear. They exude a more casual look than leather, and they tend to be highly durable and waterproof, making them excellent for swimmers.
Pre-formatted vs. customizable
Some medical bracelets feature pre-formatted inscriptions with common medical conditions, such as “diabetes 1” or “nut allergy.” If you have a single medical condition that is easily understood, a pre-formatted bracelet usually works well.
However, many medical bracelet manufacturers allow you to fully customize the bracelet inscription. This allows you to make sure all pertinent details are included. Notably, the number of characters allowed on the inscription may be limited. Some common pieces of information you may wish to provide include the following:
- Your name
- Medical condition(s)
- Allergies
- Medications
- Emergency contact
Did You Know?
Instead of a bracelet, some people prefer to have a medical alert tattoo that provides pertinent information. It should be in a location that’s easy to see, like the wrist.
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Features
Size
The right fit is essential with a medical bracelet. If it’s too small, it won’t be comfortable enough to wear every day. If it’s too large, you run the risk of it falling off.
Some medical bracelets are stretchy, so getting a precise size isn’t necessary. Others have a closure, which makes getting an exact fit more important.
Most medical bracelet manufacturers provide a sizing chart. To follow it, you will first need to measure your wrist with a tape measure. Bracelet measurements typically span from clasp to clasp, so add half an inch to three-quarters of an inch to your measurement for the best fit.
Style
Medical bracelets are available in various styles, from casual to polished. If you want something versatile enough to match just about any outfit, stainless steel may be your best choice.
Note that some manufacturers make styles that are specifically masculine or feminine in nature. Bracelets targeted at female wearers tend to be smaller and thinner. Some could be described as “ornate” or “decorative,” with charms, shapes, or other flourishes. Bracelets targeted at male wearers are usually simple in style. The dimensions of these bracelets may be wider and thicker.
Expert tip
Make sure your medical bracelet is up to date with all emergent medical problems and contact information. Including more information helps health professionals make important decisions, which sometimes need to be made quickly in time-sensitive situations.
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Closure
Clasp: Some medical bracelets have a clasp you must open and close to put the bracelet on. These bracelets may have a simple spring ring or lobster clasp closure or a barrel clasp.
Slip-on: Some bracelets don’t have a closure at all. Instead, they slip on and off your wrist. Often, these bracelets are stretchy to make them easier to maneuver.
Note that two hands are required to put on some medical bracelets. If you have pain or weakness in your hand, a slip-on style may be a better option.
Waterproof
Some medical bracelets are waterproof. You can wear them in the shower, bath, or even when swimming without worrying about damage. Metal and silicone are usually water-safe materials, but leather may suffer water damage.
To keep your medical bracelet from getting scratched or scuffed, you may not want to wear it on the same wrist as your watch.
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Accessories
Medical pager: CallToU Wireless Caregiver Pager
A medical pager allows you to get in touch with help in an emergency, even if a phone isn’t handy. This pager from CallToU is wearable and has an operating range of 500 feet. We like the call button and the splashproof transmitter.
Medical bracelet prices
Inexpensive
The most affordable medical bracelets are those made of silicone, rubber, or nylon. They usually don’t have a clasp; instead, they slide on and off over the hand. Most bracelets in this price range are pre-formatted, meaning you cannot customize the information on the bracelet. Prices for these items range from $3 to $18.
Mid-range
Medical bracelets made of stainless steel, leather, or a combination of stainless and leather, silicone, rubber, or nylon are often found in the mid-range price tier of $18 to $55. Some are pull-on styles; others have clasps. Many allow for a customized inscription.
Expensive
The priciest medical bracelets tend to be made of precious metals like sterling silver or gold. They typically feature a clasp and allow you to customize the inscription. Bracelets like these cost anywhere from $55 to $189.
For Your Safety
When your medical needs or medications change, remember to replace your bracelet so it’s up-to-date.
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Tips
- Wear your medical bracelet at all times. This means you should even wear your bracelet to bed in case you were to have a health issue while sleeping.
- Clean your medical bracelet at least once a week. Because it is an item you wear every day, it can easily pick up residue from soap, shampoo, detergent, and bacteria.
- If you aren’t wearing your bracelet for some reason, store it in a cool, dry spot. This will help prevent rust and tarnish from setting in.
FAQ
Q. How do I know if I need a medical bracelet?
A. If you have a condition that could result in an emergency where you lose consciousness, you should wear a medical bracelet. That includes conditions like type 1 and 2 diabetes, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, heart disease, and kidney failure. You should also wear a bracelet if you’re allergic to certain foods, drugs, insects, or items that might require specific treatment. Cancer patients, cancer survivors, and people who have had organ transplants should also consider wearing a bracelet.
Medical bracelets are also extremely helpful for individuals with conditions that might impair their memory or ability to identify themselves, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. You can wear a bracelet if you take certain medications that would affect emergency treatment, too.
Expert tip
If you develop a rash where the bracelet sits, take it off immediately.
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Q. What information should a medical bracelet contain?
A. A medical bracelet should list any chronic medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy. It should also provide the names of medications you are taking, especially blood thinners which could cause internal bleeding in an accident. You can also include information about any medical devices you have, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator. Your blood type, transplanted or removed organs, a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, and contact instructions for an emergency are also worth putting on a bracelet.
Q. What’s the best type of medical bracelet if I play sports or lead an active lifestyle?
A. You want a comfortable, lightweight bracelet that’s easy to clean. That usually means a silicone, rubber, or nylon slip-on bracelet.
