What should a medical alert bracelet say?

A medical alert bracelet has one job: telling a stranger, in a few seconds, the one thing they need to know about you. That means the words matter more than the design.

Start with the condition that changes treatment

Ask yourself: if I couldn't speak, what would a paramedic need to know first? For most people that is one of these:

• Diabetes (and whether it's Type 1 or Type 2)
• Blood thinner (anticoagulant)
• Epilepsy
• Pacemaker or another implanted device
• A serious allergy, such as penicillin
• Chronic kidney disease

Keep it short

One or two words, in capitals, are easier to read than a sentence. Responders are trained to look for the condition and the medical alert symbol, so the symbol and a single clear word do most of the work.

More than one condition?

Wear the most urgent one on your wrist, and keep the rest somewhere responders also check: a necklace, a keychain or a wallet card. A capsule necklace can hold a folded note with your full list of conditions, medications and an emergency contact.

Check with your doctor

If you're unsure what to wear, ask your doctor or pharmacist which condition or medication matters most in an emergency.