FAQs
How does MedicAlert work?
MedicAlert members wear a custom made bracelet, necklet or watch (known as an Emblem) engraved with their personal identification number, main medical condition(s) and the 24 hour emergency telephone number, housed at the London Ambulance Service. Each tailor-made Emblem bears the internationally recognised symbol for medicine. Members also receive a personalised wallet card containing more detailed information on their conditions and next of kin information.
How many members does MedicAlert have?
294,000 members have benefited from MedicAlert's service and of those, approximately 25% have allergies, 20% have diabetes, 15% have cardiac conditions and the remaining 40% have a range of conditions including: respiratory diseases, epilepsy and implants and many register advance decisions and organ donation wishes on their MedicAlert file.
What happens if a MedicAlert member is found and unable to communicate?
In an emergency, medical personnel have immediate access to vital information on the back of the MedicAlert disc. By phoning the emergency number, they can also gain further medical and personal information such as the member's name and address, doctor's details, current drug therapy and next of kin. A translation service is available in over 100 languages.
How will the Medical professionals and the emergency services know to look for an Emblem?
MedicAlert undertake ongoing education initiatives aimed at the relevant medical professionals and emergency services, along with free education and training materials to those people who request them for training purposes. On the rare occasions when a member reports that an emblem has been missed; the hospital, ambulance service or other emergency service is contacted and informed of the severity of missing an emblem and offered education materials in order that this does not occur in the future.
How much does it cost?
There is an annual fee of £25 for membership and the member pays for whichever emblem they choose from a wide range including bracelets, necklets, sports bands and watches, starting at £19.95. As a registered charity, MedicAlert can also provide free or subsidised membership to individuals on a limited income.
Do you provide a registration service for advance decisions?
Yes. We keep a copy of members advance decisions on file and can then fax or email them to medical professionals as soon as they are requested, to ensure that the members' advance decisions are respected.
Who would benefit from MedicAlert membership?
People of all ages:
- with any type of hidden medical condition
- with allergies
- with any type of implant
- taking regular medication
- who would like their blood group to be recorded
- with an advance decision
- with organ donation wishes
- who simply want someone else to know if they have been in an emergency
How do people join?
Individuals can join by calling freephone 0800 581 420 during office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. A catalogue and order form can be requested on the same number or by visiting the website at www.medicalert.org.uk.
