When Time Is Critical, ICEDOTs Can Save Lives

A tiny button known as an ICEDOT can provide instant access to medical details when time is of the essence.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on October 06 2010

Ever heard of an ICEDOT? The strange acronym stands for “In Case of Emergency” Dot—and if you’re ever critically injured, it might just save your life one day.

The ICEDOT is a small plastic disc that snaps onto the wearer’s shirt. It sounds basic, but the little button is full of high-tech data, allowing EMS services to immediately access the wearer’s full medical history, which can be crucial in situations where time is of the essence. The ICEDOT technology isn’t new—it’s a more compact version of the Invisible Bracelet technology that allows emergency workers to access medical records through a personal ID number on a wallet card, keychain, or other device.

“When you’re the patient and you’re in that chaotic situation… well, it’s unbelievable how many folks cannot remember their husband’s phone number,” Noah Roberts, CEO of Docvia, the company behind ICEDOT, told FOX News. “And they can’t remember which medications the family member is on; we’ve just said, take the guess work out of it.”

Athletes are especially susceptible to injuries, so it makes sense that the new device is being trialed on the Oklahoma Sooners, a college football team. So far, the players have been lucky enough to avoid needing to use their ICEDOTs, but they’re happy to know the devices are available if needed.

If you’re worried about the possibility of a medical crisis—especially if you have a medication allergy—you may want to consider getting an ICEDOT or Invisible Bracelet of your own. For more details, check out invisiblebracelet.org.

Filed under: Health and Wellbeing,

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