🩹Why Every Adventurer Needs a ROAD iD

Peace of Mind in the Wild Starts with This Simple, Life-Saving Gear

As a professional kayaker, wilderness first responder, and dad, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a lifestyle. I’ve been using ROAD iD for over a decade, and I can tell you this: it’s the one piece of gear I never leave behind, whether I’m paddling offshore, trekking deep into the backcountry, or adventuring with my son.

🚨 What Is ROAD iD?

ROAD iD is a durable, wearable ID that displays your name, emergency contacts, medical information, and more. You wear it like a watch—on your wrist, ankle, or even attached to your gear. My current go-to is the Elite ID (13mm, Rose Gold, Limited | Northwest Lighthouse)—a stunning piece that doesn’t just look great but saves time when seconds count.

My first was the Nylon Loop ID (19mm)—it’s still in great shape over ten years later.

👨‍⚕️ Why I Recommend ROAD iD as a Wilderness First Responder

As a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and instructor, I know how critical the “Golden Hour” is in remote rescues. In the backcountry, we’re often more than an hour away from definitive medical care. That means every tool we carry must bridge the gap between injury and hospital treatment.

When we come across an unresponsive or disoriented patient in the field, the first questions are:

Who is this person?
Do they have allergies?
Are they diabetic?
Who should we call?

A ROAD iD answers all of those questions immediately. When your phone is dead, missing, or locked, ROAD iD speaks for you.

🌲 Essential for Water Sports and Backpacking

As a certified open water kayak instructor and lifelong backpacker, I can’t stress enough how vital this ID is when you’re off the grid.

In Water:

Your gear can get separated from you.
Phones sink.
Communication is limited offshore.
If you’re found by another paddler, lifeguard, or USCG, they can immediately ID you and your medical needs.

On the Trail:

Falls, snake bites, heat exhaustion, and cardiac events happen—more often than people realize.
If you’re solo or unconscious, your ROAD iD provides the essential link to medical history and emergency contacts.

📊 The Data That Should Make You Stop and Think

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

Florida averages more than 800 search-and-rescue (SAR) incidents annually in wilderness and water environments.
Over 70% of backcountry medical incidents happen in areas where EMS response is delayed by more than an hour.

The U.S. Coast Guard reports:

In 2023, there were over 4,000 recreational boating accidents, with 636 fatalities and 2,222 injuries.
Time to identify a victim and communicate medical needs is one of the top barriers to effective rescue.

ROAD iD reduces this delay dramatically.

🛠️ How It Helps First Responders & ER Doctors

Imagine arriving on-scene and seeing an unresponsive patient with no phone, no ID, and no verbal communication. Now imagine that same scenario—but they’re wearing a ROAD iD:

✅ We instantly get:

Their name
Emergency contacts
Medical alerts (like asthma, epilepsy, anaphylaxis)
DNR status if applicable
Any medications that might conflict with treatment

When every second counts, this small bracelet becomes your voice.

🧠 Pro Tip: Customize with Smart Medical Info

Don’t just put your name—include:

Emergency contact numbers
Blood type
Key medical conditions (e.g., insulin-dependent diabetic, pacemaker)
Allergies to meds like penicillin or latex

You can also opt into ROAD iD’s online profile, which expands your info even further for first responders with web access.

👨‍👦 A Family Commitment to Safety

My wife, son, and I wear ROAD iD. Whether we’re kayaking off Florida’s Gulf Coast or backpacking in the Appalachians, I rest easier knowing that if something happens, someone can speak for us—even when we can’t.

As a dad, there’s nothing more valuable than that peace of mind.

🧭 Final Thoughts

ROAD iD is small, stylish, and possibly the most underrated piece of survival gear you can own. Whether you’re an athlete, an adventurer, or a parent—don’t wait for something to go wrong. Plan ahead. Protect yourself and the people who may one day be responsible for saving you.

👉 Get yours today: www.roadid.com

Stay wild—and stay safe.

—
Jeff Fabiszewski
Wilderness First Responder | Professional Kayaker | Backcountry Chef
liquidrhythmkayaking.com | Instagram: @FloridaOATS