Has anyone made this switch. Found some that look great - and I’m wondering if others use them? I’ve primarily just seen armbands around, but I’m pretty new to eventing. Thoughts?
I like the idea (esp since my arm band slides down all of the time) but I am reluctant to use one because I feel like the armband is way more visible to the EMT should any time happen.
I switched as soon as they were legal to the road id bracelet. The biggest plus is that I wear it all the time so I have it on for hacking/ running etc.
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That’s kinda what I am thinking. I love that I can wear it all the time - even in the dressage ring, or wherever. Even if I should ever gasp take up running or cycling again! As temps are creeping up in Texas, I’m thinking this is probably a good idea! Any preferences in brands/styles?
I have RoadID. They often have sales and coupon codes. I have 2 wristbands, and just got one that will fit on my fitbit, but I haven’t tried it yet. Way better than the arm bands.
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I got the RoadID one too, in the slim band (same size as the Livestrong or various rubber wrist bands out there). They had a promo, 2 for $20, so I got one in my event color and one grey one. To me the armbands are hot on summer days and someone distracting if they start to move or slip down. I can wear my event watch on one wrist and the ID bracelet on the other and will never think twice about it. I keep it on for multi-day events because you never know when the unexpected could happen around horses…not just on XC!
The ID type stuff I looked into seemed to have both a yearly cost and a cost for each access of the information. And if signal strength is bad wherever the event is located, I’m not sure what the point is. Someone feel free to correct me if my understanding is erroneous. I have an armband.
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Foxglove, if you can fit the required info on the bracelet itself, no subscription/online access is required. If you have a lengthy medical history to put on there or lots of medications, you might need the online record.
I got a RoadID last year when I was pregnant and it has been fantastic. I wear it most of the time when I leave the house, just in case something were to happen to me - it has my basic pertinent medical info, along with my name and DH’s name and phone number. Looking forward to using it at shows this year and not having to hustle back to the trailer for my always forgotten armband!
What info did everyone put on your bracelet? I’m looking at one from Road ID.
… I also find their app incredibly helpful. It will alert your chosen emergency contact if you stop moving for more than 3 minutes and provide them with a GPS location, it also lets them watch your GPS movements as you ride. I use it for solo trail riding or hacks where I have a cell signal.
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I have the slim Road ID and have used it in competition since fall 2015. I do not have an online account, as all my medical info fits on the bracelet. Since I have been galloping TBs every morning, I wear the bracelet daily and rarely take it off. The engraving on the metal tag has held up well (a complaint I have heard with other companies). After getting this bracelet for $15, I’ll NEVER go back to an armband!
Mine has my name, husband’s name and phone #, “NO KNOWN ALLERGIES,” and “NO MED HISTORY.” That’s mostly what an EMT needs to know in case of an accident.
I have significant drug allergies, so I wear my Road ID all the time. I have the slim one on a black band (goes with everything) and work in a “professional” setting (i.e., not a horse pro). I originally just had my name, DOB and the drugs I’m allergic to, with the online medical record. But DH expressed a desire to have his name and contact number on there as well, so I ordered a second plate and added it as a continuation to the first, along with the slim tab with the red Medical Alert symbol on it.
As an aside, I am viciously reactive to most metals (cannot wear a watch, rings or earrings), but the Road ID has never bothered my skin.
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Highflyer, I used the code, thank you! I love this idea over the armbands. I have tiny arms and the armbands are either cutting into my arm because they practically wrap around or slipping down. Much less distracting to have an ID bracelet! I have a hunter pace in May and I’m excited to give it a whirl.
@enjoytheride as far as using one for shows, there is verbiage in the rules about what is required on there. I want to say the basic reqs are your name, DOB, medical history, drug allergies and medication list but don’t quote me on that.
Mine has my name and DOB, husband’s phone and name, my blood type, drug allergies, relevant medical history, medications, and that I am an organ donor. Mine was fairly simple because I have no allergies, don’t take any meds, and nothing to list for medical history, so it’s basically a big list of No’s. Everything is abbreviated using the common medical abbreviations so it all fits on a slim plate. If I needed more space I’d probably do what Sing Mia Song did and just add a second plate to the bracelet with the extra info.
I have to RoadID that fits on my Apple Watch band and love it. I wear it all the time. I have significant drug allergies and a medical condition. Used to have a Medical Alert bracelet but it was constantly getting caught/snagged and falling off. I got the silver RoadID on my black watch band so it easily stands out - if an EMT checks for a medical alert bracelet, they should see it right away. It is still nice enough to wear in my professional work environment.
I have the abbreviations for my drug allergy & medical condition, my year of birth, and my emergency contact. I believe to be USEA legal, you need to sign up for the yearly online info so EMTs can access your medical history, but it is only $10/yr, IIRC, and the first year is included with the purchase.
I had the time, so here’s the rule:
EV113.3
“3. MEDICAL CARDS/MEDICAL BRACELETS. An approved and completed medical card or medical bracelet is required any time while jumping. Medical cards must be enclosed in a transparent, waterproof carrier. Medical cards must be securely attached to the competitor’s upper arm on the outside of the competitor’s clothing. Medical bracelets must be visible on the competitor’s wrist. Medical cards must include any relevant medical history, injury (particularly to the head), drug allergies and current medication. If wearing a medical bracelet, any relevant medical history, injury (particularly to the head) drug allergies and current medication must be included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website or integrally in the bracelet. Athletes are responsible to record all injuries on the card or in the case of a medical bracelet, update their medical information online. Failure to wear one’s own medical card or bracelet shall be penalized by a fine of $100. (Payable to the Organizing Committee)”
So, IF you can fit ALL the info on the bracelet itself, no online subscription is needed.
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Thanks! I am allergic to penicillin and wasn’t sure it would fit, I’ll look for the abbreviation. Not that it would really be relevant to me falling off a horse. …and now they are saying you can lose your allergen as you age. Oh well.
They have quite a few common abbreviations on the RoadID website. Penicillin allergy is one (I have the same). I had to look my other condition in a medical abbreviation dictionary online, but the vast majority of common allergies and conditions have standard abbreviations on the RoadID website.
You can fit a lot of stuff on there. I use mine for hacking alone along with the app and love it. I have my name, husband and family phone, phone for barn for horse, allergy, date of concussion, etc.
I have the RoadID slim bracelet. I wear it all the time. I sometimes switch band colors. I travel for work so figure it is a nice safety thing if I am injured while traveling. I have DH as a safety contact.
I have the RoadID app for trail riding. DH loves to follow my progress as I ride. If I go to a park further away from home he will come with me on his mountain bike but can tell when I am close to getting back to the trailer. It is a nice safety feature when I trail ride alone. I also like to have a vague idea of how far I went
