What should I engrave on my medical ID?
Last Updated: Aug. 28, 2020
A medical ID bracelet serves you best when it is custom engraved with your personal information. Medical emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Having your vital medical and emergency contact information custom engraved on your medical ID tag helps enable first responders so they can treat you quickly and effectively. It is therefore important to engrave the information that is most pertinent for emergency medical personnel to know in the event you cannot communicate for your self. We recommend engraving:
- First and Last Name
- Medical Conditions
- Allergies
- Current Medications
- Treatment Considerations or Restrictions
- In Case of Emergency (ICE) Phone Numbers
If you’re unsure what to have custom engraved on your medical ID tag, you may want to consult with your health care provider. We are also happy to help at 800.360.8680.
Every person is different. That's why we custom engrave.
Pre-engraved ID tags that list one condition simply do not provide the same value and protection as custom-engraved options that can communicate your identity, multiple pieces of medical information, and your emergency contact(s). That’s why we offer custom engraving on all of our medical ID tags and pendants.
Here’s just a few examples of what a custom engraved medical ID can look like:
- Has diabetes and celiac disease
- Uses an insulin pump
- Allergic to two antibiotics
- Is on blood thinners
- Also has Type 2 Diabetes
- Takes medications
- Lymphedema risk in her right arm
- Allergic to Amoxicillin
Not enough space? Abbreviate!
Running out of room? Emergency medical professionals use common abbreviations for many medical terms and medications. This helps you fit more details on your medical ID tag. Check out the examples of common medical abbreviations below or view our helpful guide listing most common medical abbreviations.
Still short on space or have frequently changing information? Consider adding a pack of customizable wallet cards to your order and using one line to engrave, “SEE WALLET CARD.”
- Allergy - ALGY
- In Case of Emergency - ICE
- Penicillin - PCN
- Do Not Resuscitate - DNR
- High Blood Pressure - HBP
- Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes - T1D/T2D
- No Known Allergies - NKA
- Hypertension - HTN
- Epinephrine Pen - Epipen
What should I engrave on my medical ID?
Tips for engraving medical alert bracelets
When engraving on your medical ID tag remember to be as comprehensive as possible, but make sure it's still easy to read. Here are six important pieces of information to make sure you engrave on your medical ID.
Should I include my name?
Engraving your name on your medical alert allows first responders to identify you quickly, should you be unable to advocate for yourself. Additionally, in the event of a loss of consciousness or suspected trauma, EMTs may wish to determine whether you respond to your name or ask you to state your name, so having this information helps.
What conditions should I include?
Engrave any condition that may cause a medical emergency or be triggered by trauma or common medical treatments. If you have multiple conditions, you may wish to use common abbreviations to make the most of the space allowed.
Should I list drug and food allergies?
Engrave your medical ID with any allergies that may cause a medical emergency, such as ALGYS: BEES & PEANUTS. People often also engrave instructions to call 911 and give epinephrine, as this information is helpful for bystanders and good samaritans to have before emergency personnel arrives. It is also a good idea to engrave allergies that impact your treatment, for example: ALGYS: LATEX & MORPHINE.
What medications should I list?
Your medical alert engraving should include medications you take, particularly if they have potentially dangerous interactions, side effects, or risks. Additionally, it’s important to make it clear whether you are using or allergic to a medication. That is, instead of engraving, ASPIRIN, clarify by engraving ON ASPIRIN if you take it regularly or ALGY: ASA (common abbreviations for “allergy” and “aspirin”) if you are allergic.
Do I need to list special treatment considerations?
Some conditions and medical histories result in treatment considerations, which you’ll want to include in your medical alert engraving. For example, with a history of cancers impacting the lymphatic system, such as breast cancer, you may have a lymphedema risk and engrave LYMPHEDEMA ALERT / NO BP-IV-NEEDLES / RT ARM. Or with a history of gastric bypass, you may want to engrave, NO BLIND NG TUBE / NO NSAIDS / NO SUGARS.
Should I include my emergency (ICE) contacts?
When engraving your medical ID, we always recommend including at least one emergency contact number preceded by the letters ICE for In Case of Emergency. Most people engrave the cell phone number of their spouse, parent, grown child, or other family member or close friend with knowledge of their medical condition(s). If you have additional room, you may also wish to engrave another contact, your doctor’s number, or, “SEE WALLET CARD” so EMTs know to look in your wallet for additional information.