Why a diabetic ID can be very important

[Clifton]

I've just come in from my dog walk and it was eventful to say the least.

Not very far from the house, I saw an older lady who'd collapsed. I immediately went to her and put her in the recovery position. On her right wrist was a bracelet which indicated she was Type 1 Diabetic.
Dialled 999 and explained.

I kept an eye on her breathing just in case I had to improvise CPR and ignored advice from well intentioned passers by who thought jabbing insulin or trying to stuff sugar was a great idea. My explanation - as we had no idea if it was diabetes related or if so, if it was hypo or hyper - best to wait for paramedics - only partially satisfied them.

The sound of sirens approaching I can tell you was very welcome.

The paramedics took over and I continued my dog walk. On return the ambulance was still sitting there with treatment going on in the interior. One paramedic came out, saw me, said thanks - did exactly the right thing. She told me it was indeed a "diabetic situation" and the lady in question was being conveyed to hospital.

I hope I never find myself in that situation but it certainly rammed home the seriousness of the condition as well as the need for much wider public education/appreciation given its prevalence in the UK.

 

[Lucyr]

Well done. If the person is not conscious then you did the right thing by not doing anything other than stay with them, as insulin would make them lower and they could choke on anything put in their mouth. If they are conscious and able to safely swallow though, but just not with it enough to know what’s going on, then it is a good idea to try and get them to drink some sugary drink as it’s more likely they have collapsed with a low than a high blood sugar. The people who answer the 999 call will always help you with what to do though.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Well done @Clifton

And well spotted on the wristband.

She was lucky you were passing by!

 

[Hepato-pancreato]

Refreshing to hear the good in people rather than the bad we hear so much about. Well done i'm sure the lady and her family are so thankful for your help.

 

[Clifton]

Refreshing to hear the good in people rather than the bad we hear so much about. Well done i'm sure the lady and her family are so thankful for your help.

Very kind - I'd hope anyone would do the same should similar circumstances present themselves. Hope the lady concerned has had as comfortable a night as possible.

 

[Clifton]

Well done. If the person is not conscious then you did the right thing by not doing anything other than stay with them, as insulin would make them lower and they could choke on anything put in their mouth. If they are conscious and able to safely swallow though, but just not with it enough to know what’s going on, then it is a good idea to try and get them to drink some sugary drink as it’s more likely they have collapsed with a low than a high blood sugar. The people who answer the 999 call will always help you with what to do though.

Sage advice @Lucyr In this particular incidence, she was not making any sense, in and out of consciousness so your first piece of advice is what was followed.