In the medical world, the 60 minutes following a trauma are known as the Golden Hour. These precious minutes are critical in determining the probability of a favorable outcome for survivors of major incidents. In these moments, medical professionals have to make split-second decisions based on a myriad of information. ICAS member John “Skipper” Hyle is married to a physician and, based on his conversations with her, has proposed a pretty unique and simple approach that may help you make better use of the Golden Hour, should the need arise. The solution: dog tags.
“In 2011, I had a heart attack. So, speaking for myself, there are lots of things a first or even second responder would like or need to know about me,” Hyle said. “Certain drugs I am on will affect the medications used on me. How to convey this information? I thought of using MedAlert; but they cost money and — being a cheap airline guy — I did not want to go that way. Then I thought of the military solution: dog tags.”
Even under optimal circumstances, it can take up to 15 minutes for first responders to determine your blood type. Instead, a performer wearing medical information on a dog tag can reduce the time it takes to get this information to a matter of seconds, preserving precious moments and increasing the likelihood of a successful recovery. These dog tags are easy and cheap to make. The website www.tacticalgear.com will create customizable dog tags for ten dollars.
“A complete history of health issues need not be listed,” Hyle says. “But you may want to include information considered life threatening such as clotting, blood pressure, heart rhythm, heart history, stent, etc.)”
