# MedicAlert Bracelets: No Pre-Engraved Alzheimer's

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 2, 2008, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296 "2008-12-02T04:03:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/41 "2008-12-03T20:47:30Z")

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> [@jayjay](#):
>
> That being said, how IS that situation supposed to be handled? If a guy collapses on the sidewalk, is there something he’s supposed to be wearing to keep First Aid certified bystanders from performing CPR on him?

It varies somewhat from state to state. However, most states that I’m familiar with require at least a “Do Not Resuscitate” from signed by a doctor and the pt/pts legal guardian. Most of them also have an official DNR bracelet. We’ll look for both of these things.

While a DNR tattoo would be an indication of the patient’s wishes, it’s not legally binding anywhere that I’m familiar with. It would certainly complicate things, too. With someone who is obviously dead or who has a DNR, I can do my exam, pronounce them dead, and look for loose change. If there’s no signs of obvious death and they have the DNR tattoo, I’d have to call a doctor. I think it’s unlikely that any of our medical control docs would honor a DNR tattoo alone. I’ll ask around tonight in the ER, if I get a chance.

St. Urho  
Paramedic

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**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/42 "2008-12-03T20:49:42Z")

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> [@St.Urho](#):
>
> It varies somewhat from state to state… Most of them also have an official DNR bracelet.

Where would I look to see if NC is a bracelet state?

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**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/43 "2008-12-03T20:55:57Z")

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> [@st. Urho](#):
>
> i can do my exam, pronounce them dead, and **look for loose change**.

**LMFAO!!!**  
Quasi

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**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\
**Post date:** [December 3, 2008, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicalert-bracelets-no-pre-engraved-alzheimers/475296/44 "2008-12-03T21:52:37Z")

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> [@KneadToKnow](#):
>
> Where would I look to see if NC is a bracelet state?

I can’t find anything online, unfortunately. However, it looks like the DNR program is run through the [Office of Emergency Medical Services](http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/dnrmost.html). [Here is there contact information](http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/EMS/ems.htm#contact). I’d call them, they should be able to help.

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