5 Things Your Child Needs to Know Before Getting on the Bus to Summer Camp


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 12, 2011) -

Editors Note: There are five photos associated with this press release.

It's the moment you've been looking forward to (slash dreading) all year. You're helping your child pack for summer camp. You've got the right bug spray, the right backpack and the right sunblock. But do you have the right ID?

The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation has been protecting Canadians in emergency situations for 50 years. MedicAlert wants to make sure the threats posed by insect bites, asthma attacks, food allergies and other emergencies do not get in the way of a great summer camp experience.

Make sure that when you are not there to speak for your child, MedicAlert is.

MedicAlert is the only ID device enhanced by extensive medical editing services and a 24-hour emergency hotline that gives emergency responders access to your child's full medical profile in 5 seconds flat. Not only that, but MedicAlert keeps your child's emergency contact information on file. So when paramedics call the 24-hour hotline, the MedicAlert emergency response team immediately contacts loved ones so you can feel peace of mind knowing that if something were to happen to your child, you'd be one of the first to know.

Here are a few summer camp safety tips from MedicAlert President and CEO Robert Ridge:
1. Make sure that both camp staff and your child are aware of any medical conditions
2. If your child has any allergies or medical conditions make sure they wear MedicAlert identification
A MedicAlert ID will speak for your child when you are unable to speak for them:
MedicAlert identification instantly communicates any allergies, medical conditions or special needs that should be known in case of an emergency
One call to the MedicAlert 24-hour emergency hotline gives emergency responders access to your child's health record within 5 seconds flat
As soon as the MedicAlert 24-hour emergency hotline is contacted an agent will notify you – so if your child is involved in an emergency, you'll be one of the first to know
For rambunctious, fun-loving kids, MedicAlert has created a line of colourful and durable sport bands that can be worn at all times, providing 24-hour protection (can be worn while swimming, playing sports, etc.)
In an emergency, it can be equally important to know that your child has no known allergies or health conditions than that they do and MedicAlert can communicate this instantly, saving emergency responders precious time when it matters most.)
3. Talk to your child about how to communicate any known conditions and make sure they are comfortable approaching camp staff if they have any concerns about their health or aren't feeling well
4. Help your child memorize important emergency numbers before they head off to camp, for example:
Home phone
Cell phone or work phone
911
5. Remind your child to always remember "safety first" and talk with them about some of the dangers they might find at camp (water safety, sun safety, etc.)

About the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation

The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation is the largest membership-based registered charity in Canada and has been the provider of emergency medical information services to more than one million Canadians for 50 years.

The Foundation's services include electronic health records, a state-of-the-art secure database, a 24-hour emergency hotline for emergency responders and customized identification products. Learn more about MedicAlert, how it works, and how you or a loved one can become a member at MedicAlert.ca or by calling 1-866-679-3166.

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Contact Information:

Strategic Objectives
Rebecca Crittenden, David Weinstein or Debra Quinn
1-866-366-7733 x268
rcrittenden@strategicobjectives.com

Check out all of the MedicAlert styles at MedicAlert.ca Check out all of the MedicAlert styles at MedicAlert.ca Check out all of the MedicAlert styles at MedicAlert.ca Check out all of the MedicAlert styles at MedicAlert.ca Check out all of the MedicAlert styles at MedicAlert.ca