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Technician Lucy has been asked about stocking identification jewellery but is unsure what the customer means, so asks Parveen the pharmacist

“You know that Mrs Garvin’s daughter Karen was recently told she has epilepsy?” she says. “Well, Mrs Garvin has just asked me if we stock identification jewellery. I started to say no, because I’ve never heard of such a thing, but then I thought I’d better check with you...”

Answer

Mrs Garvin is likely to be referring to items made by an organisation such as MedicAlert. The jewellery is engraved with information such as the condition the individual suffers from, as well as any allergies, and sometimes an emergency telephone number and membership number, which can be phoned to obtain details such as current medication and blood group.

Several other companies make such jewellery, including:

• Medi-Tag 
• Universal Medical ID 
• Ice Gems 
• Next of Kin 
• The ID Band Company 
• ZapTag UK.

SOS Talisman does a similar product, although the information is on a piece on paper inside the item. Some of these companies only sell direct to customers, but others are happy to sell through retailers such as pharmacies.

The bigger picture

Jewellery, however functional it may be, is not for everyone. For those who are keen to have something on their person so others know they have epilepsy if an emergency occurs, an ID card might be a suitable alternative. They are available free of charge from the charity Epilepsy Action and for a nominal fee from the Epilepsy Society.

Companies from which medical ID cards can be purchased include Yellow Cross, uCardit, Castlemount and My SOS ID.

Contact4Me offers something similar, with a wristband, key fob and sticker that feature a telephone number that can be called to obtain details of someone’s personal and medical information, as well as next of kin. Smart ID cards can also be obtained from MediPal.

Those preferring a high tech approach might prefer one of the USB devices that can be used to store personal medical information, such as those available from MedicTag and Me Key.

Extend your learning

• Can you think of anyone, other than a patient with epilepsy, who might benefit from carrying medical ID? Have a look at MedicAlert for some ideas.