What Should I Put on a Medical ID Tag?

When ordering a medical ID tag, you get to choose which information should be engraved on the accessory. There are two mistakes people make in this situation: they either fail to deliver any information other than the medical condition, or completely litter the tag with unnecessary details. The key factor is visibility: all the relevant data should be written with large letters. Cramming too much information into a small place will defeat the whole purpose of the medical ID tag.

• First and foremost, you need to include all the medical conditions that are relevant during an emergency and may have a potential risk on your life when mistreated. Because the remaining space is limited, word the other details clearly and shortly.
• Featuring the patient’s name depends on personal preference, though having at least the first name on the tag is highly recommended.
• The name and phone number of a contact person (caregiver, friend, family member) should be present.
• The patient’s blood type and implants (most notably the pacemaker) are also popular choices to have engraved.
• In cases where the person is an organ donor or is difficult to incubate, it is recommended that you mention these as well.
• Interestingly, some people even mention their living will on their medical ID tag, or just instruct the reader to check their wallet card for further information.

And a last bit of advice: wearing a medical ID tag alongside a medical alert button is mutually beneficial, since the ID tag can inform first responders to push the button to call for more professional assistance. Doing so alarms the monitoring agent, who has the patient’s extended medical history on file and is therefore able to provide further information.

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More Medical ID Tag FAQs

• What Is a Medical ID Tag?
• What Should I Put on a Medical ID Tag?
• Where Can I Get a Medical ID Tag?
• Who Should Wear a Medical ID Tag?