Medical Identification
It’s critical to wear medical ID.
Many doctors, hospitals and emergency responders have never treated a person with Addison’s or other adrenal diseases.
All those with adrenal insufficiency should be wearing a medical identification that states their condition and provides information the reader will need in an emergency should you be found unconscious or incoherent.
In addition to wearing a medical ID and/or subscribing to MedicAlert, having written instructions with you for emergency treatment may save your life. Scroll down to access downloadable instruction letters in multiple languages.
MedicAlert
“My MedicAlert bracelet saved my life once when I was traveling abroad. Even though my husband and I didn’t speak the language, the doctor at the hospital recognized my bracelet and was able to call and get my vital information. Now, I never take my bracelet off.” —NADF Member, NC
MedicAlert® Foundation has been providing emergency medical information and identification services since 1956 and provides services that NADF feels to be the best choice for people with adrenal insufficiency. This is not an advertisement for MedicAlert – in our opinion, this is a primary tool for your safety.
A MedicAlert ID is an internationally recognized symbol that emergency responders are trained to look for on an unconscious person:
The back of the emblem is inscribed with the most important basic information:
names of diseases the wearer has, and/or
necessary treatment in an emergency
The emblem also carries the 24/7 MedicAlert Emergency Response Service Center phone number for responders to call MedicAlert if they need more information
Emergency responders can call the number and are given the person’s vital information over the phone, including name, address, emergency contact names and phone numbers, physician name and contact information, and a list of medications and allergies.
We recommend the following inscription:
Adrenal Insufficiency
Needs Stress Dose Corticosteroids
The IDs come in a variety of sizes and designs. For pricing and selection:
visit www.medicalert.org, or
call 1-800-432-5378
Invest in your safety, security and peace of mind today!
Print these basic emergency treatment instructions for you and your support persons to hand to medical personnel in case of emergency.
Please keep in mind that medication and treatment protocols might differ slightly in your country of residence from the United States, and care should be taken when using U.S. informational hand-outs for reference.