The Nursing Working Group conducted a survey of use of Emergency Medical Identification (EMI) devices available for children and found that there are no devices appropriate for infants and young children under 3 years of age. In addition, the number of children wearing these devices is low in all age groups. Based on their study, the NWG has established the following guidelines for use of EMI devices in children:
- For all age groups, EMI should be worn on the body instead of externally such as in a wallet, on a car seat, or in a caregiver's purse or diaper bag. An emergency medical identification card placed in one of those locations can accompany the child, but this should not replace EMI on the child.
- The EMI should be identified with a medical symbol (i.e. Caduceus) and look like an EMI so it will not be mistaken for a piece of jewelry.
- The EMI should be fastened securely but not tightly and should be assessed frequently to insure that the fit is snug but not tight.
- Presently there is no ideal EMI for infants under 1 year of age.
- All EMIs placed on a child<3 years old which have emblems or clasps <1 3/4 inches should carry the warning: "Not intended for children < 3 years old due to choking hazard."
- These are general guideline to be adapted to meet the needs of each child.
NHF does not endorse any specific brand of EMI, however being affiliated with a 24- hour on-call nonprofit program is encouraged.
Emergency Medical Identification (EMI) Options by Age
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Infant (<1 year old)* |
Toddler and Preschooler (1-5 years old)* |
School age and Adolescents (6-13 years old) |
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MedicAlert® Petite/Child metal emblem with chain bracelet placed on ankle. Starts at size 4 1/2 inches* |
MedicAlert® petite/child metal emblem with chain bracelet or metal emblem with sport strap placed on ankle/ wrist. * |
MedicAlert® small metal emblem with chain bracelet or sport strap on wrist. Pendant Necklace, dog tag or beaded bracelet for children >8 yrs old. |
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StickyJ® metal emblem on sport strap placed on ankle. Size 4-6 inches* |
StickyJ® metal emblem with sport strap placed on ankle/wrist. * |
StickyJ® metal emblem with chain bracelet or sport strap placed on wrist. Pendant necklace or beaded bracelet for children >8 years old. |
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Tagmykid® no metal emblem, cloth and velcro band placed on ankle/wrist. Starts at 5 inches* |
Tagmykid® no metal emblem cloth velcro band placed on wrist. |
MedicAlert® is MedicAlert.com (includes on-call program)
StickyJ® is StickyJewelry.com (on-call program not included)
Tagmykid® is Tagmykid.com (on-call program not included)
*All EMIs placed on a child<3 years old which have emblems or clasps <1 3/4 inches should carry the warning: "Not intended for children < 3 years old due to choking hazard."
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This material is provided for your general information only. NHF does not give medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine. NHF under no circumstances recommends particular treatment for specific individuals and in all cases recommends that you consult your physician or local treatment center before pursuing any course of treatment. |
Copyright 2010 National Hemophilia Foundation. To facilitate the dissemination of these medical recommendations, reproduction of any material in this publication in whole or in part will be permitted provided: 1) a specific reference to the MASAC recommendation number and title is included and 2) the reproduction is not intended for use in connection with the marketing, sale or promotion of any product or service. NHF reserves the right to make the final determination of compliance with this policy. For questions or to obtain a copy of the most recent recommendations, please contact the NHF Director of Communications at 1-800-42-HANDI or visit the NHF website at www.hemophilia.org.
