As an EMS professional, you know that for every patient you need the patient's name, important medical history, and emergency contact. This year resolve to be prepared for a personal or family emergency. These four organizations have products that help individuals and families have medical history and contact information ready for the inevitable health emergency.

HandiRecords are a "mini medical file cabinet at your fingertips." I really like the simple hand-written format, portability, and durability. Learn more about HandiRecords in these two ParamedicTV videos. EMS agencies could partner with local senior groups to use HandiRecords as a fundraiser.

RoadID bracelets are ideal for athletes — runners, walkers, cyclists, and skaters — that don't carry any identification while exercising. RoadID bracelets are a durable nylon fabric with an engraved metal plate with the user's name, emergency contact, and/or other information the user chooses.

The 'in case of emergency' concept is a technique to use your cell phone to share emergency contact information. The smart-ICE iPhone application from EMS Options was designed by EMS professionals so you know it has the medical history information that you need quickly during an emergency.

Check out the great selection of identification jewelry from the MedicAlert Foundation. Their products include a wide selection of bracelets, bands, tags, watches, and other jewelry. Using the information on the tag EMS professionals can get immediate access to the patient's health history.

Consider any of these products for yourself. I often ride the rural roads of central Wisconsin solo. My RoadID bracelet might be the only information available to EMS and hospital professionals if I become ill or injured while cycling.

Introducing HandiRecords for Geriatric Patient History

HandiRecords Close-ups