A medical ID is jewelry that could save your life. Medical conditions, drug and food allergies, prescribed medicines and emergency contacts can be engraved onto the surface of a medical ID bracelet or necklace.
Who should wear a medical ID?
People with certain medical conditions wear medical IDs to alert emergency medical professionals in an emergency. The following are good reasons to wear a medical ID:
Some order medical IDs engraved with their blood type, online health records and contact information.
Do emergency responders even look for a medical ID?
Universal Medical ID 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.
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.
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
Mayo Clinic
American Diabetes Association
The Cleveland Clinic
Columbia University Medical Center
The National Association of EMS Educators
Epilepsy Foundation
The Merck Manual
Alzheimer's Association
World Health Organization
American Heart Association
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
Texas Heart Institute
Johns Hopkins Medicine
American Heart Association
What are the benefits of wearing a medical ID?
In an emergency, when you might be unable 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 are not just for emergencies, they eliminate trips to the hospital, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent minor emergencies from becoming major ones. Medical IDs save lives!