1) Add your personal information to your phone:
For iPhone:
Open Health App and tap Medical ID > Edit.
Enter your emergency contacts and health information like your birth date, height, and blood type.
Turn on Show When Locked to make your Medical ID available from the Lock screen. …
When you're finished, tap Done.
When your phone is locked, Click on ‘Emergency’ and then click the Medical ID link.
Note that if you use the Emergency SOS to call the Emergency Services, your emergency contacts will be notified and sent your location.
Android and Windows phones have a variety of apps to download that allow you to create a Medical ID. One of the apps to use for Android is https://medicalid.app/ and for Windows is Mobile Medical ID, although other apps and phone manufacturers are available!
Emergency Services and First Responders are aware of these apps and use them to gain information if the patient is unresponsive. However, be aware that other people may know of these apps so there is a small a small risk that your data could be accessed if your phone is lost or stolen. As usual – decide whether you think the risk is worth it.
2) Medical Alert Bracelets
There are several companies that produce these in a range of designs and services. They can be as simple as a piece of jewellery with an engraving detailing your medical condition, but most contain phone and membership numbers which can be called by others in case of emergency. Again, emergency responders are trained to look for these items if the patient is unresponsive.
3) Sunflower Lanyards
Have you experienced that difficult moment when a member of an airport security team asks what all the catheters are for? Some are happy to explain, but others would prefer a more subtle way of alerting staff at airports and other public places that they have a hidden condition or disability.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard has been designed to act as a discreet sign that the wearer has a hidden disability or condition and may require additional assistance. It has become the established symbol in the UK and has been successfully introduced to many major UK airports, supermarkets, railway stations and sports venues.
You can purchase your lanyard at https://www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com. Wristbands, ribbon, badges and stickers are also available. However, it may be worth contacting the airport in advance as several now distribute lanyards for free from their special assistance desks, as well as offering a quieter journey through security and increased hand baggage allowances for medical supplies.