Let’s face it: a medical ID bracelet really doesn’t answer all the questions someone would need to ask if they found you unconscious in an emergency. But clearly, no one wants to schlep around a binder-full of medical history when they work out or travel. A number of new tech gadgets are being developed to meet this need, including USB sticks that store your med records, and “smart” med ID jewelry.
The latest addition to this genre is a new gadget called the LifeGuard30, from ViVre Medical out of Portsmouth, VA. Their product is a small keychain device designed to store and transport your emergency medical information for use at the scene of an accident or medical emergency. It differs from a USB-stick solution in that it has its own small screen, so your vital info is viewable and readable at a moment’s notice, with no need to plug in to a PC. (See details on how it works here)
Users can purchase LifeGuard30 plans at either $7/month plus a one-time $29 fee for the device, or $84/year with no up-front cost. Two small keychain devices are sent to you (one as a back-up) which contain photo ID and personal information, medications, allergies, medical conditions, and emergency contacts. They are battery-powered, and the batteries are designed to last two years.
Along with the devices you also receive a wallet ID card, decals for your car and house, a standard-issue medical ID bracelet from LifeGuard (which you may or may not choose to wear…), and access to customer service reps for both yourself and any Emergency Service responders who may be taking care of you.
Still curious about how the system works, I asked ViVre Medical’s Marketing Director, Jennifer O’Neal, to fill me in on some of the details:
DBMine) We all worry about the wrong person getting ahold of a device like this, with all our sensitive information stored on it. How can you guarantee privacy protection?
JO) LifeGuard30 does not store any information that can compromise a person’s identity. There is a photo for visual confirmation that the device belongs to the patient being treated. There is also just a last name rather than a full name. The device also doesn’t store a SSN, personal phone number or address of the person the device belongs to.
How likely is it that EMS responders will know to use the program?
We have trained thousands of EMS professionals in all 50 states, but even if the 
device finds itself in the hands of someone who has never been trained, there are very easy to follow step-by-step instructions listed right on the device. EMS are also trained to look for visual cues, which is why we also offer several along with the LifeGuard30 system: the ID bracelet, stickers for home and auto, and wallet ID card, in addition to the device itself.
Why do you charge monthly or annual fee for service? Isn’t the information stored directly on the device?
The monthly fee is for the LifeSupport element of the LifeGuard30 system. This provides 24/7 access to your medical information via phone (live operators), text messaging, and/or the Internet in the event that your LG30 device is missing or damaged.
Where do you recommend people keep LifeGuard30?
The LifeGuard30 device should be kept on your person at all times. Many of our customers keep the device on a key chain or in a purse. Children keep them attached to a backpack.
Hmm, what do you all think? Especially those of you who refuse to wear medical ID jewelry — Would this gadget be an option?
btw, if anyone has another idea for a medical ID bracelet replacement, please submit it to this year’s DiabetesMine Design Challenge – for a chance to win $7,000 and more!
I’m pretty sure the pricing is stated incorrectly. Maybe the $84 is a one-tim upfront cost?
yUCK! That looks like the size of my diabetes bag.
I have the old fashion medic alert bracelet.
Last year it was recommended by my CDE to wear an ID bracelet. I had not worn my bracelet for years (like 25 years). When I called to purchase a new bracelet. I was still in there system. But with my parents address, phone numbers and Doctors that have since past away.
They still had all my diabetes info and allergies listed. But the personal info and type of insulin treatment was seriously outdated (NPH ha ha). Now with the internet, you can update daily if necessary. They even gave me my original ID Braclet number.
How do I bling it up? I purchased a bracelet at a annual craft show, used the original latches, it is stainless steel and pretty. Next year I plan on getting a new bracelet with small crystals.
My recommendation would be keep it simple and update your info with what ever company you choose.
@kt – correct, that’s yearly pricing. All fixed now, thanks
You are absolutely correct. The $84 price is per year. Please visit our website for more details about the product or pricing.
My sisters hubby was an EMT for years, the last thing they look for is a keychain, or a notebook, etc. I had medical ID’s for years, they would break, the engraving would fade away after a few years,so I I got a tattoo.
On my right wrist, It says type 1 diabetic, with the medical alert insignia, I had it put on my right wrist, where they always find the best veins, when they I.V. me.
It’s about 4 in long and read, yellow, and black. You can’t miss it.
best 80 dollars I ever spent.
I got a tattoo with Type 1 diabetes , on my wrist in black red and yellow, It’s about 4 in. long. I put it on my wrist, on the arm where they always use the same veins over and over. The last thing the EMT’s are looking for is a keychain, or a band, or a sticker.med alert bracelets are great, but, they do have to be replaced, engraving rubs off, they do break, and no matter how cute you make it, they are still bulky. I never leave my arm behind, but, I do leave my keys behind quite a bit. Amd I absolutely hate carrying all the gadgets around, It’s a pain in the backside I have no patience dealing with all the “cool” accessories they market.
I like cool gadgets and new technology, but I agree that I’m not sure if first responders look for these devices/tags…which leaves me with thinking about a tattoo as mentioned above. Can you put the word out and take a survey of what people (more people) think about that idea. I’m seriously considering it, since I too, have lost, broken, worn out numerous bracelets over the past 47 yrs.
Agreed – I would have no interest in this. Like others have said, we T1′s seek to carry around the least amt of “gear” possible. (However, a friend who is the mom of young children and has occasional seizures due to epilepsy might be interested in something like this.)
I look fw to hearing about the entries to this year’s Design Challenge!
As to tattoos — a topic that’s been covered here before, I believe — to me, it’s too public. The medic alert is public enough to tell people “I HAVE A MEDICAL ISSUE.” A tattoo would feel out and out too “out there” for me! Still, I’ve never lost consciousness from a low (after 29 years – woot!), and that would be a deciding factor in terms of how public I need to be abt my illness.