We know there are a lot of different medical ID products out there in the marketplace and that’s why it’s important you have an understanding of the things to consider when making your selection:
- Will the medical ID be easy to find?
Emergency personnel check around the neck and the wrist (pulse points) for medical IDs, so if it is not worn there it may be missed. Storing medical info in other places like on a USB with your keys may sound like a good idea, but is it? Will emergency personnel know where else to look – and will they have the time to do so? Do you think there will be easy access to plug in the USB and read the stored information in an emergency situation? Probably not! - Does it look like a medical ID?
Emergency personnel need to be able to identify that the product you’re wearing is a genuine medical ID. Keep it simple and don’t attach charms or other things to the bracelet or necklace. With so many fundraising silicone bands available will your ID stand out as a Medical ID? Look for an emblem that is well-recognised and stands out from other jewellery (but it can still be fashionable). The international symbol for medicine (the rod & snake) is a great sign for emergency services that the wearer has a medical condition for them to be aware of. - Is it easy to read?
It’s critical that emergency services are able to read the information on your medical ID quickly and easily. Is the information clearly engraved or is handwritten? Is it legible? Can it be seen quickly or does it need to be removed from a protective case? Can you turn over the medical ID to read the information or does it have to be removed from the person to read it? That could take precious seconds and there’s no guarantee it will be replaced in an emergency and may be lost. - Does it provide sufficient information?
Having all of the most relevant and critical information quickly available in an emergency is vital. Some medical ID products have only one condition listed, such as diabetes or allergy. This may be fine for someone who only has one condition but what happens if you have other conditions or are on special medication that emergency services may also need to know about? What about personal identification as well?
The genuine MedicAlert™ medical ID allows you to answer ‘Yes’ to all four questions. We’ve specifically designed our emblems to wear around the neck or wrist and have the internationally recognised symbol for medicine plus the words ‘Medic’ and ‘Alert’ on the front.
Our medical IDs are custom engraved with the wearer’s most vital ‘need-to-know’ information on the back and are easily turned over without being taken off. More medical and personal details are just a phone call away via our 24/7 emergency hotline if needed. MedicAlert Foundation also has an ongoing national awareness program to assist emergency and healthcare professionals around Australia to know to look for our medical ID’s.
How the MedicAlert™ emblem protects
While the choice is yours, it’s important that you have all the information you need to select the product that’s right for you. After all, it’s a decision that will help to protect one of your most important assets – your health.
You can view our products at www.medicalert.org.au/products.
You can view our products at www.medicalert.org.au/products.
MedicAlert Foundation's International Code of Conduct reflects the values and standards we live by worldwide and ensures our emblems are easy to recognise, easy to read and easy to afford.
