MedicAlert® Professional Education Offered at Local Colleges, Hospitals and Firehouses. Training instituted to reduce medical errors.

TURLOCK, California (September 1, 2004) – In an effort to help reduce medical errors in an emergency, MedicAlert ® will be training students at local colleges and employees of hospitals and firehouses on how to utilize its lifesaving services. During the month of September, this training will be offered to all students of the Galen College of Medical and Dental Assistants as well as dentistry classes at Modesto Junior College, staff at Emmanuel Medical Center, and firehouses in Modesto, Ceres and Oakdale.

The training includes how to recognize the MedicAlert body-worn emblem and contact the organization’s 24-hour Emergency Response Center to receive more information on the patient’s medical records which include medical conditions, allergies, medication dosages, implanted devices, and organ donation specifications. In addition, HIPAA standards will be discussed.

“This training is essential because in an emergency you have only moments to recognize and access a patient’s needs,” said Brian Shockley, emergency response professional educator at MedicAlert. “If that patient is a MedicAlert member their medical information is provided within seconds, which greatly reduces the risk for medical errors to occur.”

Shockley’s courses are available to all community groups and healthcare organizations. CEU credits are available for those who qualify and attend the course. For more information, please contact Shockley at 209-669-2478. .

MedicAlert is one of the largest nonprofit membership organizations in the world with a mission to protect and save lives. Since 1956, MedicAlert has relayed member's key medical facts to emergency medical personnel so that they receive faster, safer treatment, and avoid harmful or fatal reactions.