So you have an ICD...Medic Alert tags - to wear or not to wear? - this is the question. (Here's a picture of Dave's.)

Both Jim and Dave ordered and received medic alert tags after they had their ICDs implanted. It's just good planning, I guess. There IS a sizeable scar on their chests, and I'm sure any EMT worth his or her salt would immediately realize there was something in there besides the ticker.

But just in case, it's good for the ambulance crew to know about the ICD. You definitely don't want someone who thinks you are cardiac arrest or some other heart problem thinking about giving you the paddles on top of your ICD. This would definitely not be good. The great thing about Medic Alert is that you are also registered with an ID number, and your medical information is available to help the staff learn about your condition almost immediately in case of emergency.

Only one problem. Dave won't wear his tag. He says it's uncomfortable. He worked as a line cook this past summer, and said that it really bothered his skin in all the heat. I think the tag is currently on his set of keys. So what good is it there?

Dave's decided that it would be much more efficient to have his medic alert "tag" tattooed directly to his chest. The other side from the ICD of course. So this is the plan. In a couple of weeks, he'll visit the tattoo parlor with a clear drawing of the emblem, and have it - shall we say - implanted.

I just don't understand tattoos.