Prophylaxis: A Lifesaving Bracelet

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A diabetic who has a "shock" reaction to his insulin is likely to be mistaken for a drunk; he may die in the lockup before anybody realizes what is wrong. A person who is allergic to penicillin or tetanus antitoxin may die within minutes after an injection which is routinely given to accident victims. Heart patients on a precise digitalis dosage and arthritics on steroid hormones are in serious danger if their medication is suddenly stopped. Atropine, or similar drugs, given to glaucoma patients may contribute to blindness.

Today more than 100,000 Americans are wearing a lifesaving bracelet designed to prevent such accidents. It was made originally for Linda Collins of Turlock, Calif., who was so hypersensitive to tetanus antitoxin serum that the tiny amount used in a scratch test* after she cut her finger one day in 1956 made her collapse in convulsions. Her father, Surgeon Marion Collins, figured that a full dose of antitoxin would have killed Linda; he decided that for future protection his daughter should wear a dog tag proclaiming her allergy. Linda talked him into making the tag into a silver bracelet.

Dr. Collins went further: he set up the nonprofit Medic-Alert Foundation. Subscribers pay $5 each for a bracelet and a lifetime medical record kept on file at Turlock. The tag bears the snake staff of Aesculapius and the words "Medic Alert." On the other side is a warning, such as "Diabetic," "Skindiver" (subject to the bends), "Hemophilia," "Allergic to Penicillin." Engraved along with the warning are the wearer's identification number and the injunction "Phone 209-634-4917." Calls may be made collect, the clock around.