Why should I consider a medical ID?
Members of our forums discussed their personal feelings on this topic, summarized in Medical IDs - Personal Views. However, feelings aside, there are some compelling reasons to seriously consider wearing an alert emblem. American Medical ID outlines these as follows:
- "In an emergency, when you might not be able to speak for yourself, a medical ID bracelet or necklace speaks for you.
- "Symptoms of common ailments can easily be misdiagnosed. Prompt diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. A brief description of vital medical facts engraved on your medical ID ensures appropriate and timely medical care.
- "According to a published study, half of all medical errors occur because of mistakes made upon admission or discharge from the hospital. Wearing a medical ID protects against potentially harmful medical errors.
- "More than 95 percent of emergency responders look for a medical ID; more than 75 percent check for a medical ID immediately upon assessing the patient. If you're wearing a medical ID, it won't be missed.
- "Medical IDs eliminate trips to the hospital, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent minor emergencies from becoming major ones. Medical IDs save lives! One day, a medical ID may save you."
What types of medical IDs are available?
I am sure that for many, thoughts of medical IDs conjure images of chunky link-style bracelets that could only be attractive on a beefy 6'5" football player or those military-chic dog tags any young soldier would adore. But not to worry! There are many choices now available for men, women and children. Anyone can find the perfect medical ID piece for his or her tastes in an array of bracelets, charms and emblems, necklaces and dog tags, sports-bands and cuffs, anklets, and even watches.
There are also a number of alternatives to jewelry. The most common is the medical ID card, which can include a great deal more information than an emblem. Some companies offer engravable pill containers as well.
What information should I include on my medical ID?
The front of the emblem generally bears the international symbol of medicine. "This symbol of a snake coiled round a rough staff is the traditional sign of Aesculapius who features in the original Hippocratic Oath and was the Greek God of Medicine" (MedicAlert).
The back of a medical ID is usually engraved with your personal information. It can include information such as your medical condition, food or drug allergies, medicines, or an emergency contact number. Obviously the amount of space available on the emblem is limited (usually only 3-5 lines of about 15 characters each) so this information must be brief. An option is to include a line indicating you carry a medical ID card. Following are some examples:
- Bipolar Disorder
Lithium & Zoloft
Penicillin Allergy
Contact Husband
Joe Smith
888.555.1234
Panic Attacks
Bipolar Disorder
Food Allergies
See Wallet Card
Some individuals choose to join a medical information organization, such as MedicAlert. The back of their medical ID carries their member identification number and a toll-free number to reach the organization, which holds an updated medical profile for them.
A great deal of information can be recorded on a medical ID card for easy reference. This usually includes: name, birth date, address, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, physicians' names and phone numbers, medical conditions, medications, food and drug allergies as well as the date it was printed. It may also indicate if you are an organ donor or have a living will.
What if I can't afford a medical ID?
Most of the companies that sell these IDs have very inexpensive versions available. MedIds has an online form for completing and printing a free wallet card. In addition, MedicAlert offers sponsored memberships. For more information on sponsored memberships, you can contact their Director of Contributions at 800-228-6222 ext. 2466.
