Should You Enhance Your Med Alert System with a Medical Tattoo?

Most personal emergency response systems allow some way to contact emergency medical services in the event of a fall or other medical issue. But what about those who need some form of communicating their medical needs, yet don't require the constant monitoring of a medical alert system?

Medical bracelets and pendants are a good answer. They usually consist of a medical alert icon on one side and an etched word or two on the back, such as "diabetic" or "epileptic" or "high blood pressure." A new trend in medical alert options takes the message of those bracelets and pendants one step further and makes it permanent.

Medical Tattoos: The Silent Medical Alarm

A tasteful etching of your medical condition on your skin can help ensure the proper help with a single glance. Medical alert tattoos can be a permanent alternative to medical alert bracelets that can often be misplaced or broken.

Medical tattoos also provide peace of mind concerning an emergency in which you cannot speak for yourself. After all, there is little chance a medical tattoo on your wrist, chest, or other prominent place might be missed by emergency personnel.

Medical Tattoos and Med Alert Systems: The Perfect Combination?

Medical tattoos cannot be used to replace a personal emergency response system, such as a senior medical alarm, because they are silent. A medical tattoo provides a visual aid to those who are responding to your emergency, but of course, they can't actually help you call for help.

A perfect solution might be a personal medical alarm with a button that is ready to be triggered at all times, as well as a medical tattoo that provides valuable information to first responders. For instance, a response to a fall in your home leads emergency personnel to expect the possibility of broken bones or internal injuries. But when they see the medical tattoo that says you are a diabetic, then they know to immediately check blood sugar levels and look for signs of hypoglycemia as well.

The Downside of Medical Tattoos

Medical tattoos, like any other tattoo art on the body, can hurt when applied. There is a slight risk of infection, especially among those with medical conditions that inhibit proper healing, such as diabetes. They are also a very permanent solution, so if your medical condition is one that can resolve itself with time, a medical tattoo might not be a good idea.