MedicAlert

MedicAlert, a non-profit company founded in 1956 and headquartered in Turlock, California, maintains a database of medical information on its members to be made available to medical authorities in the case of an emergency. Members supply critical medical data to the organization, and in turn receive a distinctive metal bracelet or tag which they wear at all times. It can be used by law enforcement or emergency medical personnel to access their medical history and special medical needs.

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Products

The MedicAlert "devices" worn by members and are designed to closely mimic regular jewelry (such as bracelets, necklaces, ID tags, etc.) with the addition of the distinctive MedicAlert engraved tag. The personalized jewelry contains important medical information and MedicAlert ID number engraved directly on the back of the tag. Medical personnel can call the MedicAlert Emergency Hotline and provide the ID number on the back of the tag to get more detailed medical information on the member.

While devices may range depending on country and availability, the two main MedicAlert "devices" are bracelets and necklaces, the earlier being the most popular. MedicAlert has teamed up Citizen Watch Co. to provide a line of watches which include the Citizen Watch Co. Eco-Drive watch with the customized engraving and logo of MedicAlert.

The United States affiliate has started a test launch of electronic tags with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The USB tag is designed to carry a person's medical information (including full medical history, images and files) and is accessible to the member, as well as medical personnel.

Common Medical Conditions

The following is a list of common medical conditions the Medical Alert Foundation of the United States commonly engraves on their devices:

• Allergies (food, latex, insects, etc.)
• Alzheimer's disease
• Asthma
• Autism
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Heart disease
• Hemophilia
• Hypertension
• Medications
• Parkinson's Disease
• Devices/Implants (artificial heart valves, pacemaker)

Advance Directives

An advance directive covers specific directives as to the course of treatment that is to be taken by caregivers should the patient be unable to give informed consent due to incapacity. Currently in the United States, MedicAlert will hold on to signed advanced directives which can be provided to first responders and medical personnel when they contact MedicAlert. A common advance directive is a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order which states that member has requested that resuscitation should not be attempted if the member suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest.

International Affiliates

MedicAlert has international affiliates in nine countries.

• United States
• Australia
• Canada
• Cyprus
• Iceland
• Malaysia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• United Kingdom
• Zimbabwe

See also

• Medical identification tag