what to do when you get hit by a truck ... - A world apart from the everday ...

A world apart from the everday ...

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what to do when you get hit by a truck ...

well yes i would know cause it has happened to me ....

I realized when I crashed so badly that if I had slipped unconscious I would
have been in serious trouble. I had a cell phone with me yes, but it got
obliterated by the impact of a 5ton truck. I was riding with friends yes,
but how many of us know each other's next of kin's contact details or what
medical aid they're on?

The first thing the paramedics asked was whether or not I was on medical
aid; had I not been conscious to give them my details and give Roland my
fiancé's number things may have been VERY different.

I heard a very scary story of a roadie that out on his own during a ride,
got hit by a car; unfortunately in this case the rider did not remain
conscious and nobody on the road could contact anybody nor did they know his
medical aid details; this guy lay in the Johannesburg general hospital,
unconscious whilst the hospital tried what they could to find his family. It
took almost a week before they got somebody at his cycling club to identify
him.

This could have been avoided completely if the cyclist in question carried a
simple laminated card with the appropriate details on board.

so step in MediSMS.co.za;

You will never be alone again!

The MediSMS.co.za system gives you the opportunity to embrace SMS (short message service) technology that can save
your life and the lives of your family in a medical emergency. This technology can speak a million words when you can't.

The concept uses rubber bands, similar to the "LIVESTRONG" bands, with an individual, unique
engraved identification number. These identification numbers enable paramedics and emergency personnel to get all the medical information about you they need to save your life. By using their personal pin codes via a short SMS number, medical personnel can instantly obtain all your relevant particulars, including personal and medical aid details which are updatable by you on our server, for which you receive your own password to maintain your information. In the event of a paramedic accessing your medical information, two additional SMSs are sent to two nominated relatives, to notify them there has been an emergency. The nominees are given a reference number and the MediSMS.co.za call centre number to contact, from where the crisis will be managed on your behalf.

I'm signing up now; i think you all should!!!

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Posted: Jul 19 2005, 09:40 AM by Ryan CrawCour | with 3 comment(s)
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Comments

Johnny Osbourne said:

Oh brother! What next!

As a practicing paramedic for nearly 12 years now I must say that this is the first time I have ever heard of this and that alone concerns me.

I also have a few problems with this system…

1. Paramedics are not aware of how this works so how can these people, in good faith to the public, sell this product before telling the emergency services about it. They are creating a false sense of security.

2. I noticed on the web site that the paramedic is expected to sms to a premium billed rate number meaning that it is at his own expense. So picture his: Paramedic finds bracelet and says "hell no I'm not going to pay out of my own pocket" and ignores the bracelet.
3. Hypothetically: Now I'm a member and I get home, kick off my shoes, take off my watch and bracelet and just before I can relax the wife says "honey please go to the shop and get some milk". I think to myself "hey, I'm just going to the shops, I'm not gonna put on bracelets and watches just for a 10 minute trip to the shop.
Next thing, BANG!! I'm mugged, shot or crash my car in those ten minutes ... pity the bracelets still at home...

4. As a paramedic, I most certainly do not want my personal cell number sent to a member of the public, the last time I gave my number out I got phone calls from complete strangers at all hours calling me for an ambulance even though I was off duty.
This alone will stop me and any other paramedic from using this system as it infringes on my right to privacy.

5. The last thing I as a paramedic need, whilst treating a patient, is a hysterical wife phoning me and wanting to know if her husband is ok. I have to keep focused on what I’m doing to be able to save a life and do not need a distraction like this.

6. I’d be very concerned if my child was wearing this bracelet and a pedophile accessed this personal information. How does MediSMS control who may and may not get mine and my families information. This system also contravenes the laws with regards to patient confidentiality as stipulated by the health professions council. Clearly MediSMS has not done there legal home work!

Whilst I’m always in favour of new and innovative ways to save lives, in my opinion as an experienced paramedic, I do not think this is the way to go.

The only two medical ID solutions I have seen that work well and are trusted by paramedics is either MedicAlert or RegAlert. These two organisations have always worked very close with paramedics nationwide and what I respect about them is that they always ask our opinion before they do something. Has MediSMS ever done that?
# July 22, 2005 10:51 AM

Ryan said:

jeesh some harsh criticismfor sure ... but i suppose you make some good points!

i was clearly only thinking of saving my own ass when next in a situation such as this ...
# July 22, 2005 10:58 AM

Johnny Osbourne said:

Ryan,

Sorry bud but when it comes to saving lives I like to know that it has been thought through 110%

Maybe if MediSMS can sort out the problems I have pinted out then sure I will gladly use this system.

Untill then, no vote of confidence from me pal.

Regards,

Johnny
# July 22, 2005 12:27 PM
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