You can’t always communicate your needs in a medical emergency. If you have certain medical conditions, this could pose serious problems to your health. You may not be able to tell medical personnel about your severe food or drug allergies. You could be unable to tell responders you have diabetes, or epilepsy, or an artificial pacemaker. If you live alone and have limited mobility, you could be unable to call for help at all.

That’s where medical alert IDs come in. These simple devices can alert medical personnel to your specific health conditions, so you receive the right treatments as quickly as possible (and don’t receive the wrong ones). They can help elderly or disabled patients call for help when needed, or share the identity of a lost patient with cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s or Dementia. They can even alert teachers or caregivers to conditions like food allergies or asthma in young children.

But despite their numerous benefits, medical alert IDs are still under-used by many vulnerable patients. Which is why August is MedicAlert Awareness Month, a national campaign by the MedicAlert Foundation that seeks to spread awareness about the life-saving qualities of MedicAlert IDs.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a MedicAlert ID?

MedicAlert IDs are wearable identification tags that are engraved with your name and unique medical information. This can include your medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, emergency contact information, or other medically relevant information. They are usually worn around the wrist or neck so they are easily accessible by responders and medical personnel in an emergency.

MedicAlert IDs are used to communicate your important medical information when you cannot. Responders and healthcare providers are trained to locate medical IDs in an emergency and respond appropriately, saving time and reducing the risk of medical errors. If needed, they can also access a 24/7 hotline for more detailed information about your medical history.

Who should wear a MedicAlert ID?

MedicAlert IDs are helpful to anyone who may need special care during a medical emergency. This includes patients with chronic medical conditions, life-threatening allergies, and those taking certain medications. It also includes patients who may have trouble communicating, such as young children, those with hearing and/or vision problems, and people with cognitive disabilities.

MedicAlert IDs are strongly recommended for patients who:

  • Have severe allergies that could cause anaphylaxis
  • Have chronic medical conditions that require special treatment
  • Have cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or Autism
  • Have implanted medical devices like a pacemaker
  • Are taking blood thinners
  • Have a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order
  • Have received or given an organ donation

How do I get a MedicAlert ID?

MedicAlert IDs can be ordered online in a variety of styles and sizes. You can also choose from multiple membership packages that offer additional protection features like 24/7 emergency response, a live digital health profile, emergency contact notification, vaccination records, patient instructions, and more. Membership prices range from $24.99 to $74.99 per year.