Identification Options

A cyclist was knocked over on William Nicol Drive on 2 March 2007. Paramedics were able to identify the cyclist through his ID band he had on his wrist.

ER24 have urged people to get involved in identification. Paramedics often struggle on accident scenes to obtain emergency details. Sometimes this can cause a delay in transportation re-transfer of patients from one hospital to another. SABC News 2 March 2007.

This wristband is made from woven material with an embroided name and telephone number on the face side. A unique number is attached to the back of the wristband.

This number enables a paramedic or medical personnel to get critical lifesaving information about the person during an emergency from the call centre. This is the most effective identification system used by CrisisOnCall since it is always worn on the wrist of the person. The wristband can be used at any time or circumstance.

LifeCap who also holds the trademark for the item supplies the key ring identification. It is made from durable heat resistant material with a diameter of 19 mm and a length of 45 mm. It is split in two halves, one bright yellow and the other red, one turning into the other. A rubber o-ring ensures that it is also watertight. A card with basic information (name and membership number) is kept in the capsule. The key ring must be attached to the car keys for the best results. This fits well with the CrisisOnCall car window sticker that includes the wording: “Check key holder for information”. Any person who arrives at a scene of an accident can then call the call centre for assistance and help.

A car window sticker refers the bystander to the vehicle keys.

This identification item is made from stainless steel and looks similar to the bracelet distributed by Medic alert. The CrisisOnCall logo and emergency number is engraved on the front and a unique member number is engraved on the back. The purpose of the bracelet is to replace the wrist band for persons who prefer something more aesthetic. Due to the appearance of the bracelet, almost like jewellery, the danger of being stolen is real. In many accidents it may even become detached due to the impact of the accident.

This identification item is more a source of critical information then an identification item. It consists of an envelope and personal card with the following information:

• Personal information
• Information about the parents and a next-of-kin
• Recent colour photo
• Finger prints
• DNA sample
• Hair colour
• Colour of eyes
• Weight
• Length
• Dental information (only for permanent teeth)

Id-a-Kid link with SACMED (South African Centre for missing and Exploited Children) allows the owner complete access to register their child with SACMEC.

Id-a-Kid has been developed to assist parents and next of kin to gather critical information in a very short space of time. This information can then be transferred to the SAPS in case of a missing or lost child. The information is stored in a plastic easy seal bag for sage storage at home or when on holiday.

CrisisOnCall was always under the impression that we discovered identification techniques. However one of our members, Pat Allen, came across this article which dates back to July 1932. Interestingly the article was available in silver and gold. Motivation for the item includes the fact that purse are sometimes stolen or disappear! What would happen in our times to a silver or gold item? One can only just imagine!

This goes to prove that identification is as old as the hills.

LATEST RESEARCH ON IDENTIFICATION

CrisisOnCall completed a follow-up study on identification in January 2009. It was shocking to realise just how badly people depended on a medical aid sticker on the windscreen. Please do yourself a favour and go and take a look at your windscreen sticker. Do you see your medical aid number on it? Definitely not! Take into further account that windows frequently break and then a person realises that the sticker means exactly nothing.

Research during January 2009:

39% of the public participating in the research is of the opinion that a medical aid vehicle sticker has enough information. 100% of paramedics participating were of the opinion that a medical aid vehicle sticker is of no use. 78% of the paramedics also indicated that they do not even look at a vehicle sticker.

93% of the participation public carry their medical aid card in their purse/handbag. In only 40% of all accidents paramedics obtain medical aid cards from a purse or handbag. In 44% of the time medical aid cards can for various reasons not be obtained by paramedics.

Paramedics also indicated that in 75% of the time it is very difficult to obtain a medical aid card at a serious accident.

Paramedics also stated that they all have the experience where patients tell them that they have a medical aid card but it cannot be obtained.

In 92% of the time where no medical aid card is available a private hospital will not accept the patient. 8% indicated that they had previous cases where private hospitals stabilized patients and then refer them to a provincial hospital.

The paramedics all agree, the CrisisOnCall arm band is the option for the future.

This research confirms research done in 1999/2000.