Riley's Story
MedicAlert brings peace of mind for people with Eosinophilic
Oesophagitis
MedicAlert brings peace of mind for people with Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
One in five Australians lives with a chronic health condition, but not enough people take proactive steps to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.
For people living with Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE), a MedicAlert membership can provide vital peace of mind.
"MedicAlert IDs can, and do, save lives every day," said MedicAlert Foundation Chief Executive Heidi Jones. "There is no underestimating the importance of a patient with a medical condition receiving the right medical care, personalised to their need when seconds count." "It really can be the difference between life and death."
For enthusiastic 11-year-old Riley, who lives with multiple severe allergies, eczema as well as EoE, a MedicAlert membership has provided a vital communication tool - ensuring those around him think twice before putting him in harm's way.
"As a child, Riley's voice isn't always heard," Riley's mum Kris said.
"Having a MedicAlert ID with the vital information literally etched into the metal has proven a great mechanism for focusing the attention of busy, often well-meaning adults who have not previously had to consider the challenges Riley faces."
It's also proved compelling enough to prompt parents or event organisers to call me to check if he can safely participate in activities - which enables me to figure out how Riley can be involved so that everyone is safe and happy.
“We realised when he began childcare that the team of adults around him sometimes needed a quick and easy reference point for his multiple allergies,” Kris said.
“It was MedicAlert’s sport style band that worked – it stayed on, could be cleaned in the bath or shower and was unobtrusive enough to wear all day, every day.
“As Riley has become more independent we have relied more heavily on MedicAlert as a data source for practitioners and updating his membership is as much a part of our annual routine as is the beginning of the school year paperwork!”
MedicAlert sets itself apart from competitors as the only provider of medical identification jewellery that works alongside a 24/7 emergency response service – allowing first responders on the scene of an emergency to provide the best possible care to members.
In Riley’s case, those around him can refer to his ID for a quick reference to his allergies, or call the MedicAlert 24/7 emergency response service to gain more detailed information about his medical requirements.
“One of the many benefits of a MedicAlert medical identification, is that paramedics and other first responder agencies around the world are trained to look for them,” Ms Jones said.
“They can also call the 24/7 emergency response service for further information and important member information, ensuring well-informed treatment decisions can be made quickly and effectively – which is especially important when a patient is unable to communicate themselves.”
Upon signing up for membership, MedicAlert members detail their health information and preferences – including health management plans, allergies, stoma and device information that may impact an emergency procedure.
For further information visit: https://www.medicalert.org.au/
Riley's story has been shared with us from MedicAlert. This Editorial piece has not been sponsored.