With so much emphasis on the importance of medical IDs and their benefits in the face of an emergency, knowing how to interpret a medical ID is a vital skill that we are keen to share across the MedicAlert community and beyond. In this short guide to interpreting and reading a medical ID, we share the crucial information that could save a life – including how to know if someone is carrying a medical ID, where to find the right information, and what to do with it.

But before we get into the details of interpreting a medical ID efficiently and correctly, why is this information so important?

Why is it important to know how to interpret a medical ID?

The number one reason why people carry a medical ID is to draw attention to an illness or underlying condition which may not be immediately obvious to those attending to them at the scene of an incident or accident. The detail of the medical ID could signify anything from a serious allergy to a condition like autism or diabetes, and may also provide vital information such as details for an emergency contact.

The reason why interpreting a medical ID is so important is because it allows important information to be identified, particularly in the case of an individual who may be unable to communicate their own medical needs. For first responders, interpreting medical ID lets them efficiently identify any underlying conditions or concerns, and ensure that these are addressed as part of treatment.

How does a Medical ID provide crucial medical information?

The way a medical ID works is that it combines the universal medical information symbol with a unique membership number which can be quoted via the emergency phone line and used to access comprehensive medical information. Any vital information tends to be directly added to the medical ID itself, for example the MedicAlert bracelets are engraved on the back with the membership number, emergency phone number, and any important information which could form a matter of life or death when it comes to administering medication and support.

Of course, with all this information readily available across most forms of medical ID, the important thing is to understand how to interpret it for accuracy.

How is a Medical ID read and interpreted?

Emergency workers and first responders are trained to look for medical ID not just in the case of an emergency, but also in instances where strange behaviour could be caused by an underlying condition rather than mere antisocial behaviour. If, for example, someone is acting aggressively or is refusing to communicate, a hunt for medical ID crucial in ensuring that they receive the right treatment and support before it’s too late.

Of course, with the medical ID market so much broader now than it was a few years ago, there are a number of different places in which such ID may or could be found – however, most of the serious cases will wear some kind of MedicAlert jewellery or will have the information on their person in a wallet or attached to a vehicle. 

Once a medical ID has been located, a medical professional or first responder will be able to call the phone line and quote the membership number to gain full access to all the information needed.

Interpreting medical ID is all about first knowing where and when to look for it, and then being able to translate the information accordingly. Here at MedicAlert, our jewellery and various lifestyle accessories are designed to make reading the necessary information as easy and straightforward as possible. With various resources and training available for first responders and medical professionals, as well as advice on our products and how they can be helpful in different scenarios and as part of different lifestyles, recognising the presence of a medical ID is important for both members of the public and medical professionals, to ensure crucial medical information is effectively relayed. 

For more information, head to our website.