Iron Pol

I just read an article from the Associated Press touting a "new" concept called the Invisible Bracelet.  It presents the company as "emergency health alerts for the Facebook generation."  A simple idea, really, that uses a pin based On-line system to notify emergency responders of health issues, as well as contact information for anyone unable to provide the information themselves.

It's a great idea, and revolutionary.  Well, revolutionary if it was new.

It seems neither the Associated Press or the makers of Invisible Bracelet bothered to do much research.  Their concept sounds remarkably like something I've used for many years, RoadID.  (Yes, I specifically left the link for the Invisible Bracelet out while adding the link to RoadID)

When I first started running, I wasn't overly concerned with ID.  I was close to home and the distances were short.  As I started increasing those distances, I started carrying my driver's license.  Finally, I decided it was time to get a RoadID so important contact information would be immediately available.

That band around my ankle is now as important as my watch.  The rare situations where I forget it on runs, I feel naked as soon as I realize it's missing.  I've never forgot it on the bike.  And if I don't have it for an open water swim, I don't swim.  It's that important to me.

Recently, I've been contemplating the RoadID Interactive ID.  Similar to the original RoadID, this system provides an On-line system for updating contact, medical, and other histories.  First responders can use the provided PIN to log onto the system and find all pertinent information.

Apparently endurance athletes are years ahead of the times.  A system that duplicates what we've been doing for years (though only in Oklahoma) is being touted as some incredible new idea.

For Invisible Bracelet, keep up the efforts, because athletes aren't the only ones that benefit from such emergency contact information.  For the Associated Press, perhaps you should consider spending some time researching stories.  A simple Google search of "emergency identification" returns RoadID right at the top of the results page.

And for endurance athletes, that others are emulating the RoadID concept might suggest that it's a good idea.  If you don't already use one, click on one of the seven links provided above and order one, today.

(Full disclosure - There is nothing to disclose.  RoadID is not, as yet, a sponsor or training partner.  They just provide a horribly important resource that warrants discussion, and have been doing so for years.  BTW, that's EIGHT links, now)