As part of Elementa’s ongoing Professional Development, last week Sarah Morrison participated in a First Aid at Work course ran by Paul Watkins of Red Hawk Training: https://www.redhawktraining.com .
The First Aid at Work course was really well run and was really useful for all that attended – a big thank you to Paul and the Red Hawk Training team.
During the course, the subject of medical data on mobile phones was covered. Smartphones allow us to carry important information around with us – including information that can be critical during medical emergencies. Importantly, this information can be accessed without unlocking your phone.
Medical details to consider including are:
- In case of emergency number (ICE Number)
- Your blood type
- Your doctor’s name and number
- Allergies to latex or drugs
- Conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
- Medications you’re currently taking
- Whether or not you are an organ donor
Important: Don’t Just Rely on Your Phone!
Although there is a good chance that you will have your phone with you in an emergency, there is a case to be made for not having this information only on your mobile. Your phone could run out of battery or the phone itself could be damaged beyond use in an accident.
It is best to store critical information in multiple places, particularly if you have a life-threatening condition.
Although medical professionals are trained to check in specific locations for a physical emergency card and are aware that mobiles can be used, ultimately there really is no substitute for a medical alert bracelet.
The time to think about emergencies is before they happen.