Organization Helps to Reduce Medical Errors
Wytheville Enterprise
August 3, 2004

In an emergency, medical personnel have only moments to determine a patient's needs and begin lifesaving care. Unfortunately, patients often cannot communicate their special needs in an emergency, and face an increased risk of medical errors.

August is MedicAlert Awareness Month. MedicAlert encourages people to learn more about its services that help to save lives in emergencies by reducing medical errors.

A MedicAlert bracelet or pendant provides information that is often needed before emergency treatment can begin. In addition, first responders and law enforcement can call the organization's 24-Hour Emergency Response Center to receive further information on the patient, including emergency contacts, allergies, medications, implanted devices, insurance provider and more. MedicAlert also contacts the patient's family, so they are not alone in an emergency.

Twenty-three state governors have signed proclamations that support MedicAlert Awareness Month. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton have also promoted MedicAlert awareness.

Today, MedicAlert is one of the largest non-profit membership organizations in the world with a mission to protect and save lives. Since 1956, MedicAlert has relayed members' key medical facts to emergency medical personnel so that they receive faster, safer treatment, and avoid harmful or fatal reactions.