Identification emblems

A number of companies provide internationally-recognised identification emblems and medical alert jewellery. Some companies also provide secure storage of your condition and medication so that it can be accessed by healthcare personnel in the event of an emergency.

Steroid Emergency Card

The NHS Steroid Emergency Card improves patient safety for those with adrenal insufficiency. The card will alert medical professionals across the NHS to your dependence on hydrocortisone.
The card includes areas for you to fill in your personal details, as well as basic information and a QR code linking to the Society for Endocrinology’s guide to treating adrenal insufficiency.

We recommend all adults with adrenal insufficiency should carry this card.
Your can download a pdf copy here, or hard copies can now be obtained:

Through community pharmacies
Your GP
Hospital teams at your next appointment

You can also use the image as a background on your phones as well as carrying the card. Click here to download an image you can use as a phone background provide download.

Children with Adrenal Insufficiency

A new steroid card for children with adrenal insufficiency has been developed by the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED).

We recommend all parents of children with adrenal insufficiency should download and print this card for your child to carry with them at all times. This will help to ensure they receive the correct treatment if they are admitted to hospital.

You can download the card here.

MedicAlert Foundation

As the original and most recognised medical ID service provider in the UK, MedicAlert UK is the only charity keeping people with medical conditions safe in emergencies. Their custom-made medical ID jewellery is engraved with your most vital medical information to aid initial care decision, whilst your full medical record is available via their 24/7 emergency line if required.

Trusted since 1964, MedicAlert is unique in providing:

Registered nurse checks of your record when it is set up or amended, to ensure it is medically sound for use in an emergency.
An advocacy function, allowing you to nominate one or more people to help maintain your record and speak on your behalf.
Wallet cards, with more information than the engraved medical ID jewellery for use in appointments.
Document storage, including clinical reports or other medical documentation.
Emergency support around the world; the 24/7 line has a translation service available in over 100 languages and dialects

If you take hydrocortisone, the following text is generally acceptable to be used on your MedicAlert jewellery: “STEROID DEPENDENT REQUIRES HYDROCORTISONE”. Individual patients should discuss this with their own endocrinologist, as you may also need details of any other deficiencies or problems.

Medi-Tag

Medi-Tag provides personalised lifesaving medical ID pendants, bracelets, watches and wristbands with optional membership to an International 24-hour Emergency Telephone Service operated by the NHS Trust. In addition to information engraved on your Medi-Tag jewellery, membership lets you store extra personal and medical details on a secure online Medi-Tag ICE Register, and it is now possible for members to edit their own information instantly.

For more information, telephone 0121 200 1616 or visit their website

Message in a Bottle

Emergency medical info stored in a special marked ‘bottle’ kept in your refrigerator. Available from Lions Club, pharmacies, GP surgeries, Age Concern, some council offices, police stations and some Neighbourhood Watch & housing associations.

Universal Medical ID (UK)

Universal Medical ID features custom-engraved medical identification bracelets and necklaces. Information about medical conditions, drug and food allergies, prescribed medication and emergency contacts can be engraved onto your chosen identification jewellery item.

Jewellery is available in stainless steel, silver, gold and titanium. There is no annual membership required.For further information, telephone 0800 055 6504 or visit their website

UTAG

UTAG utilises the latest USB electronic data storage, in a style that is highly visible. It clearly displays the international medical symbol (the snake and staff) and the letters “ICE” (an acronym for “In Case of Emergency” recognised by Emergency Services). Options include dog tags, sports bracelets and a credit card-sized emergency card.

When travelling abroad, the UTAG wearer can have the comfort of having any emergency information available in any of seven European languages and hold secure copies of essential documentation. For more information visit their website