mEDICAL id faq

Please refer to the FAQ below to answers to some common questions people have about Medical IDs:

Is it necessary to put my name on my medical ID?

Engraving your name on your medical ID is personal preference. However, at least a first name is recommended. A first name is especially important in an emergency, as emergency personnel will say a person's name in an effort to get their attention if they are in a daze, a diabetic coma or unconscious for example.

We recommend that all Alzheimer's patients engrave their name and address or contact information of a friend or family member.

I'm not sure how my medical ID should be engraved, what do I do?
  • List only those medical conditions that would be important in an emergency. For example, a minor surgery that took place several years ago may no longer be relevant to your current medical care.
  • Space is limited, so summarize your information with short, descriptive words. Any information that cannot go on your medical ID bracelet or necklace can be written on a wallet or purse ID card.
  • List only medicines you wish to be engraved. Generally, this would be prescription medicine, taken on a long-term daily basis. You may wish to list the most important medicines first.

If you need help deciding what to engrave, ask your physician or pharmacist, or you may call our Customer Service, 1.855.909.0007.

What other information can be placed on my medical ID?
  • Anything can be engraved on an ID, within space limits. Some examples of what might be wise to engrave:
    • Advance Directives (DNR, etc.)
    • Blood Type
    • Contact Lenses
    • Difficult Intubation
    • Emergency Contacts (Next of Kin, Physician, etc.)
    • Faith
    • Implants
    • Living Will
    • Organ Donor
    • Pacemaker
    • Stent
    • See Wallet Card
Should I list allergies on my medical ID?

  • Yes. Allergic reactions to drugs, foods and insects can cause serious medical problems. A medical ID informs medical personnel of an allergy, allowing for rapid response to end the reaction.

    Allergens are numerous, some common examples:

    • Anticonvulsants: Tegretol, Dilantin
    • Aspirin: Anacin, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxyn
    • Barbiturates: Phenobarbital
    • Antibiotics: Penicillin, Sulfa, Cephalosporins, Mycins
    • Narcotics: Codeine, Morphine, Demerol
    • Others: Dairy Products, Horse Serum, Insect Stings, Latex, Lidocaine, Novocaine, Nuts, X-Ray Dye
Should medicines be listed on my medical ID?

  • As a rule and if space permits, it’s wise to list prescription medicines that are being taken on a long-term or “maintenance” basis. This will give medical personnel better guidance on how to initiate treatment and will lessen the chance of a drug interaction.

    Some classes of medicines that would be appropriate for an ID are:

    • Analgesics: Includes many narcotics, such as morphine and codeine
    • Antianginals: Medicines that alleviate episodes of angina
    • Antiarrhythmics: Heart drugs that can correct or prevent irregular heart beats
    • Anticoagulants: Blood thinners, such as Coumadin (warfarin)
    • Anticonvulsants: Meds for seizure disorder and epilepsy
    • Antihistamines, Decongestants: Prescription or over-the-counter meds for allergic rhinitis
    • Antihypertensives: Blood pressure medicine
    • Beta Blockers: Drugs that can slow the heart rate: Inderal, Tenormin, etc.
    • Chemotherapy Agents: Drugs for treating cancer or serious infectious diseases
    • Steroids: Cortisone, Decadron, etc.
What medical conditions should be on a medical ID?

  • Below are examples of medical conditions that could warrant wearing a medical ID.

    • Abnormal EKG
    • Adrenal Insufficiency
    • Alcoholism
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Angina
    • Asthma
    • Bleeding Disorder
    • Cardiac Arrhythmia
    • Cataracts
    • Clotting Disorder
    • Dementia
    • Diabetes (Insulin Dependent)
    • Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent)
    • Emphysema
    • Glaucoma
    • Hearing Impaired
    • Heart Valve Prosthesis
    • Hemolytic Anemia
    • Hypertension
    • Laryngectomy
    • Leukemia
    • Lupus
    • Lymphomas
    • Malignant Hyperthermia
    • Mental Retardation
    • Myasthenia Gravis
    • Pacemaker
    • Renal Failure
    • Sickle Cell Anemia
    • Seizure Disorder
    • Situs Inversus
    • Stroke
    • Vision Impaired
Who recommends a medical ID?

  • Physicians and healthcare organizations throughout the world recommend medical IDs:

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • National Institutes of Health
    • American/Canadian Diabetes Association
    • Columbia University Medical Center
    • The National Association of EMS Educators
    • Epilepsy Foundation
    • The Merck Manual
    • Alzheimer’s Association
    • World Health Organization
    • Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation
When should I wear my medical ID?

  • You should always wear your medical ID. Taking off your medical ID takes away its opportunity to help you in an emergency.

Do emergency responders even look for a medical ID?

  • Based on recently surveyed emergency medical professionals ranging from first responders to paramedics. Among the results:

    • More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies.
    • More than 75 percent look for a medical ID immediately upon assessing a patient.
    • 95 percent look at the patient’s wrist to find a medical ID, and 68 percent look for an ID on the patient’s neck.