So I could get my own bracelet made up of my own design and as long as it had a website address with my med information on the internet then I’m good? That would work.
[QUOTE=jkautry;7482739]
Hey COTHers! I just wanted to pop by to let you know we just received the legal team’s clarification from the USEF, which reads as follows:
Presently use of medical bracelets which do not provide access to the information required per EV113.3 on a vendor website are not permissible; only because the current language of the rule requires that the information be stored online. Any member of the USEF may submit a rule change to this effect. Following is a link to the USEF Rule Change Proposal form: http://prc.usef.org/propose.aspx
This confirms what we originally posted — that ONLY bracelets that connect to an online medical form are legal at this time.[/QUOTE]
That would have been nice if USEA had actually confirmed this before posting the rule change on their website, rather than have everyone run around like headless chickens wondering what’s legal and what’s not. :winkgrin:
UNLESS the bracelets themselves contain the required information on their face, just as an armband would.
Maybe next time the legal department could review the language of the rule before it gets passed . . . .
[QUOTE=GotSpots;7482981]
UNLESS the bracelets themselves contain the required information on their face, just as an armband would.[/QUOTE]
right…so If I have my contact info, and no allergies or medical history…which is all that is on my arm band…I don’t need one that links to online.
If I wasn’t so crazy busy I’d re-write this damn rule. I’ll try and get to it next week–but doubt that they will listen to a corporate lawyer like me.
The armband also has you put your insurance info, though. Not sure any of the current armbands could fit that info in addition to the medical info…
[QUOTE=KayBee;7486940]
The armband also has you put your insurance info, though. Not sure any of the current armbands could fit that info in addition to the medical info…[/QUOTE]
They never check that info and if you left it blank that was never an issue. I’ve never understood why that was even on the arm bands and have serious issues having it so accessable (if I lose my armband).
[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;7487004]
They never check that info and if you left it blank that was never an issue. I’ve never understood why that was even on the arm bands and have serious issues having it so accessable (if I lose my armband).[/QUOTE]
Good point. I guess I’m such a noob that I dutifully and carefully fill out EVERY section. 
I’ve had a RideSafe bracelet for a while now, and wear it faithfully on my bike and on my horse, if no one is home. Mostly so that should I need to be identified, someone could call DH and tell him that they found me in a ditch.
But, I do have medication allergies – and with that in mind, since ER docs are more likely to notice the MedicAlert bracelets, would it make more sense to get one that is a MedicAlert bracelet and also contains the pertinent info?
There are SO many choices out there! Is it the Medic Alert logo that would clue in an EMT or ER doc/nurse to check it? If so, that seems like the most sensible choice if you do have a health condition or allergies.
Libby (who is hopeful that no one ever needs to check mine, but so into over preparedness that I’m already overthinking this)
[QUOTE=GotSpots;7482981]
UNLESS the bracelets themselves contain the required information on their face, just as an armband would.[/QUOTE]
Hmmmm, the official rule clarification was just posted on another group I am a member off and it specifically stated that bracelets without an online link are not legal at this time, nor are MedAlert bracelets.
" The following change to EV113.3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will come into effect April 1, 2014:
EV113 Medical Requirements [CHAPTER EV-1 General Rules for all Eventing Competitions] change to read:
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. It 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. 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)
We hope the following information will provide additional clarity regarding this rule change:
Medical bracelets which do not provide access to the information required per EV113.3 on a vendor website are not permissible at this time. Any member of the USEF may submit a rule change proposal to include language in the rule which may allow use of bracelets which carry the information on or within them.
The USEF does not have a list of approved manufacturers or suppliers of medical bracelets. All medical bracelets which meet the criteria prescribed in EV113.1 are considered acceptable. As long as the information prescribed in the rule is included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website it is acceptable for use in USEF Endorsed/Recognized Eventing Competitions.
There is no requirement for information to be displayed on the bracelet itself.
At this time the FEI Eventing Rules do not allow use of medical bracelets."
[QUOTE=wildlifer;7489247]
Hmmmm, the official rule clarification was just posted on another group I am a member off and it specifically stated that bracelets without an online link are not legal at this time, nor are MedAlert bracelets.
" The following change to EV113.3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will come into effect April 1, 2014:
EV113 Medical Requirements [CHAPTER EV-1 General Rules for all Eventing Competitions] change to read:
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. It 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. 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)
We hope the following information will provide additional clarity regarding this rule change:
Medical bracelets which do not provide access to the information required per EV113.3 on a vendor website are not permissible at this time. Any member of the USEF may submit a rule change proposal to include language in the rule which may allow use of bracelets which carry the information on or within them.
The USEF does not have a list of approved manufacturers or suppliers of medical bracelets. All medical bracelets which meet the criteria prescribed in EV113.1 are considered acceptable. As long as the information prescribed in the rule is included in the online medical form of the bracelet’s vendor website it is acceptable for use in USEF Endorsed/Recognized Eventing Competitions.
There is no requirement for information to be displayed on the bracelet itself.
At this time the FEI Eventing Rules do not allow use of medical bracelets."[/QUOTE]
It still isn’t clear–even in their clarification…if you have all the information required by rule EV113 actually ON the “bracelet”–the same as required on the “armband”…you don’t need anything online. Basically…at that point, your “bracelet” is really an “armband” for purposes of the rule.
I swear I’m going to re-write this rule----Let me know your thoughts and who I need to send this to before doing a formal request. I write a lot of laws…KISS is important to follow (Keep It Simple Stupid):
MEDICAL CARDS/MEDICAL BRACELETS. A medical card or medical bracelet satisfying this rule is required to be visably worn on the arm of a competitor any time while jumping. Medical cards must be enclosed in a transparent, waterproof carrier. Medical cards/bracelets must (1) include the competitior’s name, (2) include emergency contact number, (3) include or be available online, relevant medical history, especially head injuries, and (4) include or be available online, allergies and medications. Online medical information is to be provided through a vendor’s site with access information on the medical armband/bracelet. Athletes are responsible to keep all the information updated on their medical armband/bracelet and, if applicable, their online medical information. Failure to wear one’s own medical card or bracelet shall be penalized by a fine of $100. (Payable to the Organizing Committee).
I agree the rule is not clear, but I think the clarification IS clear.
You can wear a medical armband in a transparent waterproof carrier.
OR
You can wear a medical bracelet linked to a vendor’s web site.
[QUOTE=Janet;7489576]
I agree the rule is not clear, but I think the clarification IS clear.
You can wear a medical armband in a transparent waterproof carrier.
OR
You can wear a medical bracelet linked to a vendor’s web site.[/QUOTE]
I’d challenge that interpretation though…it makes no sense…but it is what they put out there. I think they should re-write the rule but then lots of their rules make sense.
[QUOTE=Janet;7489576]
I agree the rule is not clear, but I think the clarification IS clear.
You can wear a medical armband in a transparent waterproof carrier.
OR
You can wear a medical bracelet linked to a vendor’s web site.[/QUOTE]
See, that’s jacked up!
Add me to the list of people that think the online requirement sucks. As many people have already stated, 1) being able to check that information at an event, in an emergency situation, may not be possible; and 2) first responders aren’t going to take the time to do that anyway. I would MUCH rather be wearing a bracelet that had the pertinent information already engraved on it than rely on the website to provide that info.
[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;7489607]
I’d challenge that interpretation though…it makes no sense…but it is what they put out there. I think they should re-write the rule but then lots of their rules make sense.[/QUOTE]
I quite agree that the rule is not well written. But, having sat though some of the discussion, I know that (the guidance, not the rule as written) is what they intended.
If you have ideas for rewording and clarifying the rule, would suggest consulting with Malcolm Hook.
[QUOTE=Janet;7490240]
I quite agree that the rule is not well written. But, having sat though some of the discussion, I know that (the guidance, not the rule as written) is what they intended.
If you have ideas for rewording and clarifying the rule, would suggest consulting with Malcolm Hook.[/QUOTE]
I reworked it in my post above. Any thoughts on my suggested language.
I’ve been looking at the RideSafe and Road ID bracelets and both have some space (though, not a lot) for medical information. I could fit my allergy to sulfa on it, for example. But if you took seizure meds, or blood thinners, or there was something else that would either a) help immediately diagnose what was going on with you (if it was something that CAUSED a fall (rather than being the RESULT of a fall) or b) potentially impact critical care, I don’t think all the info would fit and EMTs might not be able to access medical info until you got to the hospital.
If you’re a healthy individual, it might not be a problem. But if you aren’t, then supplementing your approved bracelet with an “old school” medical alert bracelet – or using the traditional armband – might be the way to go.
As the rule currently reads, I don’t think supplementing a “traditional” armband/“interactive” bracelet is illegal. Just that an “old school” bracelet isn’t enough.
Can’t say for sure, though.
I’ve been looking at the RideSafe and Road ID bracelets and both have some space (though, not a lot) for medical information. I could fit my allergy to sulfa on it, for example. But if you took seizure meds, or blood thinners, or there was something else that would either a) help immediately diagnose what was going on with you (if it was something that CAUSED a fall (rather than being the RESULT of a fall) or b) potentially impact critical care, I don’t think all the info would fit and EMTs might not be able to access medical info until you got to the hospital.
If you’re a healthy individual, it might not be a problem. But if you aren’t, then supplementing your approved bracelet with an “old school” medical alert bracelet – or using the traditional armband – might be the way to go.
As the rule currently reads, I don’t think supplementing a “traditional” armband/“interactive” bracelet is illegal. Just that an “old school” bracelet isn’t enough.
Can’t say for sure, though.
BFNE, I think your language is good, if the intent is to allow info ON the bracelet. What Janet has posted though about the discussion of the rule, seems to indicate that the intent is that it must be on the card, or a bracelet linked to the web.
I’d send in the suggested language and suggest a rule change as the requirement to link to a web site does not make sense.
I am, however, involved in writing a lot of administrative rules that govern professional practice, and frequently rules are written that have portions that don’t make sense. So, it doesn’t surprise me to see one here that produces a nonsensical result.
Back to my question from a page or so ago – when reference is made to an “old-school” medical alert bracelet – the places that sell those now have an online presence with the info, etc. Is what makes those more familiar to emergency personnel just the medic-alert logo that has always been on them? If so, it appears that one from one of those providers would both catch the attention of medical personnel and satisfy the rule.
Edited to add this info: PC Mag did a review of one of the ID bracelets and included this info in response to the question of whether medical personnel will know that the bracelet contains medical information:
The staff of asclepius printed on the front is a sign that all trained medical staff know indicates that important medical information is contained herein.
Which would seem to indicate to me, anyway, that if you do have a condition you really want ER staff to know about, a bracelet that has that symbol would be the best one to go with. I also like this add on, which gives immediate info about a life threatening condition:
http://www.endevr.com/products/condition-specific-side-slider-for-myid
Edited again to add that in poking around on RoadID’s site, you can add a badge with the medic alert symbol to the bracelet. Which seems like a good idea to differentiate it from other bracelets with which it might be confused.
