Mother Creates Seat Belt Covers That Would Warn Emergency Workers About Children’s Health Issues
Sometimes, a simple worrying thought can unleash a viral success. That happened to an Australian mom, Natalie Bell, when she thought about her daughter, Shae, getting in an accident. It prompted the woman to create a seat belt cover for the child that would warn whoever was helping her about the girl’s health problems. Overnight, the idea went viral, and Bell received thousands of requests for a similar seat belt cover.
Bell, who is from Victoria, Australia, owns a business called Personalised By Nat where she creates personalized items, with most of the products being for parents and special needs kids. She decided to create a simple velcro seat belt cover with bright, bold letters standing out on a white background to make it easy to read.
Australian mom created these seat belt covers to warn emergency services about children’s health issues
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Image credits: Natalie Bell
On June 5, Natalie Bell posted her creation on Facebook with this caption:
“I always wonder what would happen if I was in a car accident with my daughter in the car and I was unable to let the doctors know that my daughter could not have a MRI due to having a cochlear implant, now I don’t need to worry about that with these seat belt covers. These can be made for any special needs that the medical team will need to know if you are unable to tell them.”
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Image credits: Natalie Bell
The covers can be attached to seat belts or other places like backpack straps with ease. Although Shae is deaf and her cover indicates that, Natalie offers a variety of covers for various health issues and genetic disorders. Those include autism, diabetes, down syndrome, with some covers indicating that a child is non-verbal or may resist help in a medical emergency.
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Bell points out that while medical bracelets that most of the people with health issues wear are useful, they often get covered up by clothes. That’s why her seat belt covers stand out and make it clear for anyone approaching, especially considering that in case of an accident, the first people to respond and help might not be medical professionals.
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Image credits: Natalie Bell
Natalie sells the covers on her site and is offering them for $15. Though she warns that due to high demand, it might take her around 2-4 weeks to deliver the product.
Image credits: Natalie Bell
175Kviews
Share on FacebookNot a new idea. Plus, as someone on the spectrum I do not like the backpack ones. I prefer the other forms produced by emergencyid who highlight that someone has a condition that may need consideration in a medical emergency but don't SHOUT what that issue is. I expect a lot of people will disagree but who likes to be labeled? Who wants this to be the thing that the world sees about you first? The emergencyid ones are so much better.
Load More Replies...Thats a brilliant idea... My friend put a sticker on their kids seat in case they were ever in a car crash, but now that the kid is too big for the seat we were wondering what could be done^^ Smart idea, well done and they look nice. Plus, they make the seatbelt more comfortable^^
Very clever idea! Hope this idea gets implemented in many more countries :-)
FACT CHECK - this lady didn’t think of this idea! They have been around for years. She COPIED the idea. Ours at Emergency ID Australia, were created by an ex NSW Police Officer & ex NSW Fire & Rescue Deputy Captain and have added ESSENTIAL features with a DETAILED information insert. It’s a shame this copy is being promoted as something new. We have them as just one of 300 products. We are an ETHICAL and reputable business. These are $14.95 and can be found in our ACCESSORIES section of our website www.emergencyid.com.au IMG_2973-5...c00c42.jpg
how about work together?^^ on yours it has first be opened to know whats going on, which can be a problem on a resisting child. On hers its clearly seen, what the problem might be. So combination of both would be best? Short, clear outside, detailed inside?
Load More Replies...Actually if someone is going into an MRI there are professionals who check if the person doesn't have metal on their bodies (this even includes stitches in clothing with metal part) . A CI is mostly good visible. And actually as far as I am aware standard MRI is not a problem since 1997they are compatible with MRI, only for the images you get its sometimes better to remove the magnet. But I mean that could vary depending on the type CI
I mean I totally like the idea of the things because it's very important information in the communication with the child, but I was just wondering.
Load More Replies...My husband mentioned that with different wording, one could be made to say "I have Alzheimers (sp) or anything for an elderly person.
This is so smart! Now it seems odd that those haven't existed before! They may be life saving! Good job, great idea!
FACT CHECK - this lady didn’t think of this idea! They have been around for years. She COPIED the idea. Ours at Emergency ID Australia, were created by an ex NSW Police Officer & ex NSW Fire & Rescue Deputy Captain and have added ESSENTIAL features with a DETAILED information insert. It’s a shame this copy is being promoted as something new. We have them as just one of 300 products. We are an ETHICAL and reputable business. These are $14.95 and can be found in our ACCESSORIES section of our website www.emergencyid.com.au
I wanted to say that I found it highly unlikely that a child would have type 2 diabetes (and be insuline depended!), but then I looked it up and now I am shocked about the rising incidence in the US and the UK (still really rare compared to type 1 in children). At least the only numbers I found here in the Netherlands are a total of 60 reported in 2004. but when a child has type 2 and already diet and non-insulin medication is not enough.. poor children
They don't just have to be used by children either- my aged parents could do with these.
Load More Replies...I disagree. First responders are not going to be looking at the seatbelt as they are assessing damage to you or your child. Not to mention accidents don't always happen in the car, nor do you always have your backpack on you. A bracelet or necklace is one of the first things first responders look for in an accident, not a seatbelt cover.
This is ludicrous, why can't someone use both this and a bracelet??? It's like saying if you eat apples then you can't eat oranges because it's just stupid to eat two kinds of fruit
Load More Replies...A medical alert bracelet is far more effective than these seatbelt signs. A med alert bracelet is on your person 24/7 and is connected to a database that has med. history, next of kin and doctor's info. They make lovely necklaces/bracelets for kids.
I think a medical alert bracelet would be far more effective than a seatbelt sigh as it would be ON your daughter 24/7 and connected to her med history and doctors. They make lovely bracelets and necklaces just for kids at medical alert website.
Its humiliating to the child, rather make them save with a method that are understood and have been around and used for ages like the previously mentioned bracelets. Bad mom, no kid needs to be reminded every day with big bright letters that there are something wrong with them, try and give them as normal as a live as you can mom...
I must admit as someone on the spectrum I personallly would not like to walk around with such a large label. I prefer the other forms produced by emergencyid who highlight that someone has a condition that may need consideration in a medical emergency but don't SHOUT what that issue is. I so dislike the backpack ones. I know a lot of people will disagree but who likes labels? Who wants this to be the thing that the world sees about you first?
Load More Replies...Can someone explain the autism one a bit more, I partially understand it but I was wondering why another person with autism may resist help
Some people on the spectrum might not want to be touched, they might get a meltdown during a stressful situation, so they might resists help
Load More Replies...They can still use medical bracelets, workers are just more likely to see the seatbelt covers first.
Load More Replies...These are a FANTASTIC idea, But what about kids with hearing aids???
Don't most people just have a medical alert bracelet? I mean, it's a good idea, but what if they're not in your car or that backpack gets lost?
I could really need one for my grandma. She cant speak german (only lao and thai) and the possibility of someone also speaking that on the street if smth happens, isnt high. We cant get her in a hospice bc she cant really speak their language and is scared). This one woupd be perfect, i would say "i cant speak german, only lao & thai. Pls call my niece xxx"
This is a great idea, fatal car accidents are sadly a common thing here in Australia. It'd be a great help
How would this be a help if you are DEAD? HU? Better a braclet for the coroner to read.
Load More Replies...Why people here instead of discuss a matter just downvote when they disagree?
I don't understand why one commenter who mentioned medical ID bracelets and necklaces got 24 down votes! Why the hate train for something that is physically on the affected person? And another post pointed out the idea in this article is NOT EVEN ORIGINAL. It's a copy of someone else's idea! The putrid swamp of social media at its finest.
They got downvoted because it's ludicrous to say that you can't use more than one type of protection for your child? Like saying because your child is wearing a helmet when skating, then they don't also need knee pads, because apparently you're only allowed to use one thing to protect yourself
Load More Replies...The puzzle pieces aren't a good symbol for Autism. Use the Rainbow Infinity sign instead!!!!!!!!
I do but I don't because that means they got in a terrible accident!
Load More Replies...It is a good idea. However it is useful in the car/wearing backpack only. There are bracelets and necklaces that tell blood type, allergies, diseases, etc. I think it is better because those you can wear at all times.
These are fantastic. Great idea and I definitely see how they could be useful.
Can you buy them for adults. I'm thinking one saying I'm deaf, non verbal and may resist any communication for when I'm on the tube.....
Unfortunately, this is NOT her idea or a NEW idea at all. They have been on the worldwide market for several years and WE bought them to the Australian market a couple of years ago, however we greatly improved on similar ones to these that only provide BASIC information. Ours are designed by the owners who have over 30 yrs EMERGENCY SERVICES experience, so know FIRST HAND what is required in an accident or emergency. Ours can be quickly come off (and take to the hospital with the patient) and reveal an insert the person/parent completes which has essential information such as WHO they are, DOB so records can be checked, medical conditions, allergies, doctors and specialists details, any special instructions, and importantly WHO needs to be called (as in the case of a child the parent/s could be in the same accident). IMPORTANTLY, it also includes a small photo of the wearer/patient so that if seats are swapped the patient and information can be immediately matched, as in accidents i IMG_2973-5...f52667.jpg
Dude, I work in the medical field. These are legit concerns and this type of information is super important especially in emergencies. I really do not think she made these for attention at all. It's a great idea actually!
Load More Replies...tattooed QR codes would eventually get mushed up because of the small details and become unreadable. Also "marking" mentally incapacitated people by tattoos could be controversial even if it were meant purely for help.
Load More Replies...Whoa, that was a stupid comment if I've ever seen one.
Load More Replies...Not a new idea. Plus, as someone on the spectrum I do not like the backpack ones. I prefer the other forms produced by emergencyid who highlight that someone has a condition that may need consideration in a medical emergency but don't SHOUT what that issue is. I expect a lot of people will disagree but who likes to be labeled? Who wants this to be the thing that the world sees about you first? The emergencyid ones are so much better.
Load More Replies...Thats a brilliant idea... My friend put a sticker on their kids seat in case they were ever in a car crash, but now that the kid is too big for the seat we were wondering what could be done^^ Smart idea, well done and they look nice. Plus, they make the seatbelt more comfortable^^
Very clever idea! Hope this idea gets implemented in many more countries :-)
FACT CHECK - this lady didn’t think of this idea! They have been around for years. She COPIED the idea. Ours at Emergency ID Australia, were created by an ex NSW Police Officer & ex NSW Fire & Rescue Deputy Captain and have added ESSENTIAL features with a DETAILED information insert. It’s a shame this copy is being promoted as something new. We have them as just one of 300 products. We are an ETHICAL and reputable business. These are $14.95 and can be found in our ACCESSORIES section of our website www.emergencyid.com.au IMG_2973-5...c00c42.jpg
how about work together?^^ on yours it has first be opened to know whats going on, which can be a problem on a resisting child. On hers its clearly seen, what the problem might be. So combination of both would be best? Short, clear outside, detailed inside?
Load More Replies...Actually if someone is going into an MRI there are professionals who check if the person doesn't have metal on their bodies (this even includes stitches in clothing with metal part) . A CI is mostly good visible. And actually as far as I am aware standard MRI is not a problem since 1997they are compatible with MRI, only for the images you get its sometimes better to remove the magnet. But I mean that could vary depending on the type CI
I mean I totally like the idea of the things because it's very important information in the communication with the child, but I was just wondering.
Load More Replies...My husband mentioned that with different wording, one could be made to say "I have Alzheimers (sp) or anything for an elderly person.
This is so smart! Now it seems odd that those haven't existed before! They may be life saving! Good job, great idea!
FACT CHECK - this lady didn’t think of this idea! They have been around for years. She COPIED the idea. Ours at Emergency ID Australia, were created by an ex NSW Police Officer & ex NSW Fire & Rescue Deputy Captain and have added ESSENTIAL features with a DETAILED information insert. It’s a shame this copy is being promoted as something new. We have them as just one of 300 products. We are an ETHICAL and reputable business. These are $14.95 and can be found in our ACCESSORIES section of our website www.emergencyid.com.au
I wanted to say that I found it highly unlikely that a child would have type 2 diabetes (and be insuline depended!), but then I looked it up and now I am shocked about the rising incidence in the US and the UK (still really rare compared to type 1 in children). At least the only numbers I found here in the Netherlands are a total of 60 reported in 2004. but when a child has type 2 and already diet and non-insulin medication is not enough.. poor children
They don't just have to be used by children either- my aged parents could do with these.
Load More Replies...I disagree. First responders are not going to be looking at the seatbelt as they are assessing damage to you or your child. Not to mention accidents don't always happen in the car, nor do you always have your backpack on you. A bracelet or necklace is one of the first things first responders look for in an accident, not a seatbelt cover.
This is ludicrous, why can't someone use both this and a bracelet??? It's like saying if you eat apples then you can't eat oranges because it's just stupid to eat two kinds of fruit
Load More Replies...A medical alert bracelet is far more effective than these seatbelt signs. A med alert bracelet is on your person 24/7 and is connected to a database that has med. history, next of kin and doctor's info. They make lovely necklaces/bracelets for kids.
I think a medical alert bracelet would be far more effective than a seatbelt sigh as it would be ON your daughter 24/7 and connected to her med history and doctors. They make lovely bracelets and necklaces just for kids at medical alert website.
Its humiliating to the child, rather make them save with a method that are understood and have been around and used for ages like the previously mentioned bracelets. Bad mom, no kid needs to be reminded every day with big bright letters that there are something wrong with them, try and give them as normal as a live as you can mom...
I must admit as someone on the spectrum I personallly would not like to walk around with such a large label. I prefer the other forms produced by emergencyid who highlight that someone has a condition that may need consideration in a medical emergency but don't SHOUT what that issue is. I so dislike the backpack ones. I know a lot of people will disagree but who likes labels? Who wants this to be the thing that the world sees about you first?
Load More Replies...Can someone explain the autism one a bit more, I partially understand it but I was wondering why another person with autism may resist help
Some people on the spectrum might not want to be touched, they might get a meltdown during a stressful situation, so they might resists help
Load More Replies...They can still use medical bracelets, workers are just more likely to see the seatbelt covers first.
Load More Replies...These are a FANTASTIC idea, But what about kids with hearing aids???
Don't most people just have a medical alert bracelet? I mean, it's a good idea, but what if they're not in your car or that backpack gets lost?
I could really need one for my grandma. She cant speak german (only lao and thai) and the possibility of someone also speaking that on the street if smth happens, isnt high. We cant get her in a hospice bc she cant really speak their language and is scared). This one woupd be perfect, i would say "i cant speak german, only lao & thai. Pls call my niece xxx"
This is a great idea, fatal car accidents are sadly a common thing here in Australia. It'd be a great help
How would this be a help if you are DEAD? HU? Better a braclet for the coroner to read.
Load More Replies...Why people here instead of discuss a matter just downvote when they disagree?
I don't understand why one commenter who mentioned medical ID bracelets and necklaces got 24 down votes! Why the hate train for something that is physically on the affected person? And another post pointed out the idea in this article is NOT EVEN ORIGINAL. It's a copy of someone else's idea! The putrid swamp of social media at its finest.
They got downvoted because it's ludicrous to say that you can't use more than one type of protection for your child? Like saying because your child is wearing a helmet when skating, then they don't also need knee pads, because apparently you're only allowed to use one thing to protect yourself
Load More Replies...The puzzle pieces aren't a good symbol for Autism. Use the Rainbow Infinity sign instead!!!!!!!!
I do but I don't because that means they got in a terrible accident!
Load More Replies...It is a good idea. However it is useful in the car/wearing backpack only. There are bracelets and necklaces that tell blood type, allergies, diseases, etc. I think it is better because those you can wear at all times.
These are fantastic. Great idea and I definitely see how they could be useful.
Can you buy them for adults. I'm thinking one saying I'm deaf, non verbal and may resist any communication for when I'm on the tube.....
Unfortunately, this is NOT her idea or a NEW idea at all. They have been on the worldwide market for several years and WE bought them to the Australian market a couple of years ago, however we greatly improved on similar ones to these that only provide BASIC information. Ours are designed by the owners who have over 30 yrs EMERGENCY SERVICES experience, so know FIRST HAND what is required in an accident or emergency. Ours can be quickly come off (and take to the hospital with the patient) and reveal an insert the person/parent completes which has essential information such as WHO they are, DOB so records can be checked, medical conditions, allergies, doctors and specialists details, any special instructions, and importantly WHO needs to be called (as in the case of a child the parent/s could be in the same accident). IMPORTANTLY, it also includes a small photo of the wearer/patient so that if seats are swapped the patient and information can be immediately matched, as in accidents i IMG_2973-5...f52667.jpg
Dude, I work in the medical field. These are legit concerns and this type of information is super important especially in emergencies. I really do not think she made these for attention at all. It's a great idea actually!
Load More Replies...tattooed QR codes would eventually get mushed up because of the small details and become unreadable. Also "marking" mentally incapacitated people by tattoos could be controversial even if it were meant purely for help.
Load More Replies...Whoa, that was a stupid comment if I've ever seen one.
Load More Replies...
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