Medical ID

Why are medical IDs critical?

Perhaps your doctor, nurse or pharmacist advised you to obtain and always wear a medical ID. Why is it important?

• 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 can 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.

Who should wear a medical ID?

If you have ongoing medical conditions, drug or food allergies, or are taking multiple medicines, you should wear a medical ID alert. An engraved medical ID bracelet or necklace presenting a concise overview of your conditions, allergies and medicines will alert a doctor or medic before starting treatment. Informing medical personnel about your unique medical conditions and needs will greatly aid pre-hospital care.

Below is a partial list of ailments or persons who should wear a medical ID:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease (angina, atrial fibrillation, pacemakers)
• Blood thinners/anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)/even aspirin
• Drug allergies (such as Penicillin)
• Food allergies (such as peanut)
• Insect allergies (such as bee stings)
• Alzheimer's/Dementia/Memory impairment
• Anemia
• Ankylosing
• Spondylitis
• Asthma
• Autism
• ADD/ADHD
• Bariatric surgery patients
• Blood disorders
• Breathing disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Clinical trial patients
• COPD
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Epilepsy, seizures
• Hearing, sight or mentally impaired
• Hypertension
• Kidney failure
• Mental health patients
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• People taking multiple medications
• Rare diseases
• Special needs children
• Stroke risk
• Surgery, transplant or cancer patients
• Tourette Syndrome

These medical ailments demand a medical ID. If you're unsure whether you need to wear a medical ID tag, consult your physician or pharmacist.