Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most popular questions and concerns about medical ID and our Medi-Tag brand, if you have a question which does not appear here please contact us.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDICAL ID
Why is Medi-Tag Medical ID important for me?

Accidents, sudden illness and emergency situations can happen to anyone at any time. A lack of knowledge about the person could be a major challenge in emergency care when fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment is critical. It’s easy to think “my condition is stable” or “it won’t happen to me” but just consider:-

  • If you were unable to speak, how would medics know anything about you?
  • If your medical condition made you appear drunk or on drugs, how would Emergency staff know?
  • How could you let your family or friends know if something happened to you?

 

Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery is worn for your protection – it’s a medical alert for lifesavers and Emergency Services that provides instant and accurate information when you can’t speak for yourself. Your details are engraved on the back of the jewellery and can save precious seconds that may be needed to save your life! It also tells the Emergency Services who you are and provides a contact number for a friend, relative or next of kin. Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery is worn for your protection It’s a medical alert for lifesavers and Emergency Services that provides instant and accurate information when you can’t speak for yourself. Your details are engraved on the back of the jewellery and can save precious seconds that may be needed to save your life! It also tells the Emergency Services who you are and provides a contact number for a friend, relative or next of kin.

 

 

Who should wear a Medi-Tag medical ID bracelet, pendant or watch?

Anyone - no one is excluded. You may have medical details OR other information that you would want known in an emergency. For example, if:-

  • you have a medical condition such as Allergies, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Asthma, Heart Disease, Kidney Failure, Rare Blood Group, Blood Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Disease etc.;
  • you take regular medication;
  • you have any type of implant or wear contact lenses;
  • you want your blood group known;
  • you are an Organ Donor or have a Living Will;
  • your Religion could affect your medical treatment eg Jehovah's Witnesses;
  • you want your friend, family or next of kin to know immediately if something happened to you.

 

Wearing medical ID is an essential safeguard that can give you peace of mind – it’s the simplest way for you to make sure your needs are communicated in an emergency. When every second counts, the instant information you provide could be critical in ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment and could save your life!

How does Medi-Tag ID Work?

All Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery displays the international snake and staff medical symbol, and is worn on the main pulse checking points ie neck or wrist. In Case of Emergency (ICE), vital medical and personal details engraved on the back of your Medi-Tag medical ID bracelet, pendant or watch can convey that potentially lifesaving message - and also allow your friends and family to be contacted without delay!

The details engraved on your Medi-Tag medical ID usually include your name and medical information. If you have engraving without membership, it may also have: telephone number(s) for people to contact eg next of kin; or NHS number; or Date of Birth. If you’re a member of the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service, engraving includes the 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service number (prefixed with UK international dialling code) and your unique membership number.

Membership to the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service is an ideal extension to the information engraved on your Medi-Tag medical ID, and allows you to store extra personal and medical details on a secure online record (Medi-Tag ICE Register). Medics and Emergency Services can access this data using the information engraved on your Medi-Tag medical ID at any time and from anywhere is the world with good telecommunications.
 

How is Medi-Tag medical ID recognised?

Medi-Tag medical ID bracelets, pendants and watches clearly show the distinctive Aesculapian snake and staff symbol - the medical alert symbol acknowledged by medical professionals throughout the world.

In collaboration with the NHS Trust, Medi-Tag non-profit making awareness campaigns are continually undertaken to ensure Emergency Services and lifesaving personnel are aware of the full Medi-Tag range and of the importance in looking for this vital piece of information.

Emergency Services, major lifesaving organisations and Training Officers use Medi-Tag in their awareness training programmes. Our literature is supplied to thousands of hospital departments and staff rooms, GP surgeries, healthcare organisations etc. Medi-Tag is featured in numerous professional magazines, on TV eg BBC Casualty, and healthcare websites. We have asked Health Ministers, the British Medical Association, the National Association of Primary Care and others to raise awareness of medical identification as a general healthcare issue.
 

I already carry a card, so why do I need Medi-Tag medical ID?

There’s always the chance that a card can become separated from you in an emergency, so it’s advisable not to rely on a card alone.

Medi-Tag medical ID bracelets, pendants and watches are worn on the body at the main pulse checking points - the wrist and neck - and will be seen far easier than a card. Some information shown on your card can be engraved on your medical ID and if you are a member of the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service, full details can be stored and given out in an emergency.

What if I have a medical emergency outside the UK?

Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery displays the distinctive Aesculapian snake and staff symbol - the medical alert symbol recognised by medics worldwide. Your information, engraved on the back of your ID jewellery, is immediately available to assist medics in treating you.

In addition, if you are a member of the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service more information about you can be accessed at any time from anywhere in the world with good telecommunications, and the highly professional Operators also have language line facilities if required.

If my Medi-Tag ID jewellery has helped me in a medical emergency, what should I do?

Share your life story with us to demonstrate to others the importance of medical ID; as you will see from the case studies on this site, you can remain anonymous if you wish. So many people should be wearing medical ID who think ‘it won’t happen to me’ – your story may help them realise how essential it is to protect themselves and not leave it to chance! This may even help to save their life!

We all have a part to play in raising awareness about the importance of medical ID. We undertake continuous non-profit making awareness campaigns and encourage 'spreading the word' about Medi-Tag products and the concept of medical ID generally, which we know Emergency Services, healthcare professionals, and many of our customers and supporters do because it is so important.

If you wish to share your story with us, please contact us

HOW TO PERSONALISE MEDI-TAG MEDICAL ID JEWELLERY
What information do you need to personalise my Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery?

We need the information you would want us to engrave on your Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery, which is dependent upon the option you choose for personalisation:-

  • Engraving without membership usually includes your name, contact number(s) or NHS number or Date of Birth, and vital medical details. Alternatively, you may decide on your own layout and engraving;
  • Engraving with membership requires your name and vital medical details and we engrave this with the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service number and your unique membership number. You provide us with additional information that is stored on your secure online record (Medi-Tag ICE Register) that can be given to Emergency Services and medics in an emergency eg name, address, date of birth, NHS number, further details about your medical condition(s) and treatment, next of kin or people you would want contacted in an emergency and GP/Hospital contacts etc.

 

We are committed to ensuring the privacy and protection of all personal and medical details that you provide, and comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. For further details click here.

Do I have to become a member?

No, membership is optional.

You can have engraving with membership (Option 1) or engraving without membership (Option 2) – for further details click here.

What are the benefits of becoming a member of the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service?

Our partnership with the highly professional West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust offers Medi-Tag medical ID wearers the option to become members of this unique International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service:-

  • In Case of Emergency (ICE), Emergency Services and medics can access your additional critical information at any time from anywhere in the world with good telecommunications;
  • It acts as an extension to your engraved jewellery, allowing you to store extra vital data with the flexibility to update it as many times as necessary without affecting your engraving;
  • Your additional personal and medical data is stored on our secure online Medi-Tag ICE Register that you can control and instantly update using your secret password;
  • You can use it as a store for your personal use, keeping a more thorough record of your medical history, vaccinations and other health related data etc in a safe place;
  • Save Money

                     Your first year of membership is free as an introductory offer to new members.
                       Special discounts on a range of products and services
                         Exclusive entry to a Prize Draw.

For more information click here

What is the Medi-Tag ICE Register?

The secure online Medi-Tag ICE Register forms part of the membership to the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service. As well as the engraving on your Medi-Tag jewellery, being a member allows you to store extra personal and medical information on your secure online Medi-Tag ICE Register, providing Emergency Services and healthcare professionals with more knowledge about you in an emergency situation. The more information you provide, the greater chance you have of receiving fast, accurate and potentially lifesaving care!

The Medi-Tag ICE Register is free with membership. When you become a member, you are given a unique password so that you can view, edit and download your details 24/7.

More information

Who operates the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service?

Reliability and confidentiality are of paramount importance and so extensive research was undertaken before the Medi-Tag medical ID range was launched to ensure the Operators of the Service were of the highest calibre. The West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust fit these criteria.

Using the latest computer technology and language facilities, the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust offers the Medi-Tag medical ID wearer a highly efficient and modern Emergency Telephone Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and from anywhere in the world with good telecommunications.

How do you control who can see your details?

In Case of Emergency, your information can be accessed at any time through our International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service Operators or secure online connection.

There are two levels of access to your details:-

  • Level 1 holds the most vital lifesaving information that should be known without delay and is given to anyone who calls the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service Operators or views your Register through our secure online connection using your membership number and surname;
  • Level 2 holds additional information on your Register that will only be provided to Emergency and healthcare professionals who have cleared security checks with the International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service Operators.

 

You have control of your Medi-Tag ICE Register.

  • You decide what information you want to store;
  • You decide who has access to Level 1 or Level 2 details;
  • You ensure it is maintained with up to date information.

 

How secure is my data if I become a member?

You can feel assured that the information you supply for membership to our International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service is safeguarded. We, and the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s Operators, are committed to protecting your personal and medical data in accordance with the provisions and principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.

MEDI-TAG ID JEWELLERY
What is the best Medi-Tag ID jewellery to wear?

Trained lifesavers should look on the wrist or neck; so wearing either a Medi-Tag medical ID bracelet, pendant or watch is a matter of personal choice.

We pride ourselves on the quality and recognition of our full range of Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery. Most importantly, we have achieved the essential balance in fashionable medical identification that is necessary for it to be seen by lifesavers in a medical emergency:-

  • The stylish designs keeps up with current trends to suit all tastes and ages;
  • The snake and staff medical symbol is clearly seen on our jewellery;
  • The range is distinctive enough to be instantly recognised as medical ID by Emergency Services and medics, without the risk of it being disregarded as gimmicky fashion jewellery.

Note:

  • We do not recommend pendants for young children;
  • If you have difficulty opening clasps, then the stainless steel pendants offer longer continuous chains that fit over the head.
  • We can supply longer chains in other pendants upon request;
  • We can supply other size bracelets upon request.
How is the jewellery made?

Based in the heart of the UK Jewellery Quarter with an expertise in producing medical jewellery for over 30 years, our team takes great pride in producing personalised Medi-Tag jewellery of the highest quality.

Our designers keep abreast of current trends and have created a collection in materials ranging from stainless steel to handcrafted precious metals that is stylish, attractive and suitable for all tastes and ages. Our team is highly skilled and motivated, and use the latest technology in manufacturing and computerised engraving to ensure that quality is not compromised.

ORDERING YOUR MEDI-TAG MEDICAL ID JEWELLERY
What product should I wear if I am allergic to certain metals?

If you are allergic to a specific metal, there are alternatives available in the range. The Medi-Tag ID jewellery is provided in a selection of metals – solid hallmarked 9ct gold, solid hallmarked sterling silver, stainless steel, 24ct hard gold plated and silver plated. If you are very sensitive to nickel, in the long term a plated Medi-Tag product may not be suitable for you.

Reassurances:

  • The stainless steel used for the Medi-Tag bracelets, pendants and watches is non-allergenic in accordance with the British Stainless Steel Association specifications;
  • The solid sterling silver and 9ct gold Medi-Tag jewellery is hallmarked by the largest Assay Office in the world to ensure that the precious metal is of the highest quality;
  • The plated Medi-Tag bracelets, pendants and chains comply with the latest legislation on nickel in jewellery. The base metal is plated with nickel to create a protective barrier before the silver or gold plating is applied - Medi-Tag plated jewellery actually has more silver and gold plating than the law specifies.
What size bracelet should I wear?

We suggest you measure your wrist and allow about 1.3cm (0.5”) extra for comfortable movement. The Medi-Tag medical ID bracelets are available in a range of sizes, and you can choose the nearest bracelet length.

If the standard sizes are not suitable, we may be able to make one specifically for you – contact us for a quote on UK 0121 200 1616 or click here to email.

How do I order my Medi-Tag medical ID jewellery?

Firstly you select your product. Then you choose one of two options to personalise it (for further details click here) [Link to ‘How to Personalise’ info page (with Option 1 & Option 2 details)]

You can use a number of methods to place an order - for more information see How to Order.

What is the delivery time?
Medi-Tag orders are normally despatched within 15 working days. We can sometimes fast-track urgent orders upon request.
PROFESSIONALS
How does Medi-Tag ID Work?

The Medi-Tag Bracelet, Pendant or Watch is recognised by the familiar snake and staff medical symbol and the back is engraved with vital information. Engraving is usually either:-

wearer’s name
telephone number(s) for people to contact eg next of kin
medical information
or
wearer’s name
telephone number for person to contact eg next of kin
NHS No & Date of Birth
medical information
or
wearer’s name
24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service number (prefixed with UK international dialling code)
membership number
medical information

 

The latter option allows access to more personal and medical details that are stored on a secure online computer database and is operated by the NHS Trust (West Midlands Ambulance Service) 24/7.

What are the benefits of Medi-Tag medical ID?

The wearers have peace of mind that their vital information is immediately accessible if they were unable to communicate.

Emergency Service staff, medical staff, trained lifesavers/First Aid Officers etc can benefit too! Medi-Tag medical ID is a vital resource that can assist in a number of ways by giving:-

  • instant information about the wearer;
  • more detailed data about wearers who are also members of the 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service;
  • medical details - helping medical assessment and treatment, and saving critical seconds that may be needed to save the person’s life;
  • personal details - saving valuable time in identification and contacting the next of kin.
Who may be wearing a Medi-Tag medical ID?

Anyone - no one is excluded.

The wearers may have medical details OR other information that you would want known in an emergency. For example, if they:-

  • have a medical condition such as Allergies, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Asthma, Heart Disease, Kidney Failure, Rare Blood Group, Blood Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Disease etc;
  • take regular medication;
  • have any type of implant or wear contact lenses;
  • want their blood group known;
  • are an Organ Donor or have a Living Will;
  • have a Religion could affect their medical treatment eg Jehovah's Witnesses;
  • want a friend, relative or next of kin to know immediately if something happened to them.
How does Medi-Tag raise awareness with Emergency Services and medical professionals?

In collaboration with the NHS Trust, Medi-Tag non-profit making awareness campaigns are continually undertaken to ensure Emergency Services and lifesaving personnel are aware of the full Medi-Tag range and of the importance in looking for this vital piece of information. We have raised medical identification as a general healthcare issue with Health Ministers, the British Medical Association, the National Association of Primary Care and others.

Emergency Services, major lifesaving organisations and Training Officers use Medi-Tag in their awareness training programmes. Our literature is supplied to thousands of hospital departments and staff rooms, GP surgeries, healthcare organisations etc. Medi-Tag is featured in numerous professional magazines, on TV eg BBC Casualty, and healthcare websites.

How can you help?

Our awareness campaigns can be enhanced with your support. Help us to help others understand the importance and benefits of Medi-Tag.

Displaying our literature in public/patient waiting areas, staff rooms, training rooms etc will help provide visual awareness. The inclusion of Medi-Tag in information leaflets, newsletters, websites etc and word of mouth (eg patients, students, colleagues, other organisations, general public) can reinforce the message.

We, and thousands of Medi-Tag wearers, appreciate the support many of you already give in raising the profile of medical identification. Any further help or suggestions for increasing awareness would be gratefully received, so please email us.

How do you get more information about Medi-Tag?

Our literature includes an A4 size poster, an information/brochure request leaflet, a full mail-order brochure and a useful handout called S.A.V.E.

To order our literature, you can:- contact us on UK 0121 200 1616, or email.