In the event of a medical emergency or an accident, identification emblems can provide essential information about hidden medical conditions. Companies providing internationally recognised identification emblems include:

• MedicAlert Foundation
  
• Medi-Tag
  
• SOS Talisman
  
• Universal Medical ID

Patients on steroids should also ask their consultant whether it is appropriate for them to carry a Blue Steroid Card.

MedicAlert Foundation

For a fee of from £19.95, MedicAlert will register patients and issue them with an emblem, such as a bracelet or necklace. An annual fee of £10 then ensures details are kept up to date and gives the continued backup of the 24-hour emergency telephone bureau. The emblem carries the internationally recognised MedicAlert symbol and is engraved on the reverse with the member's condition, personal identification number, and their 24-hour emergency telephone number. If you rely on drugs, have allergies etc, this service could make a real difference if you are involved in an accident, particularly if you are unconscious.

MedicAlert has over 240,000 members and is the only Registered Charity providing life-saving ID jewellery and a 24-hour emergency line.  For more information, call them on freephone 0800 581420 or visit their website at www.medicalert.org.uk.

Is your emblem out of date?

It might be worth checking that the 24-hour emergency telephone line number, engraved on the back of your emblem is not out of date.  When the London telephone numbers changed, MedicAlert updated all their emblems for free but not everyone applied for this update.  If it bears the old 0171 number, then you should contact MedicAlert.

Medi-Tag

Each Medi-Tag product is available with the option to subscribe to an International 24 Hour Emergency Telephone Service, operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. In the event of an emergency, this Service allows medical professionals to obtain the Medi-Tag wearer's vital details from anywhere in the world with good telephone communications, at anytime.

For more information, telephone 0121 200 1616 or visit their website at www.hoopers.org/meditag.asp.

SOS Talisman

The SOS Talisman provides vital information about the wearer in case of an accident of illness. Information, such as medical conditions and prescribed medication, blood group and who to contact in an emergency, is detailed on an information strip of non-soluble paper that is securely contained in the SOS Talisman capsule. The information is available for on-the-spot identification.

The information strip headings are in six different languages and the SOS Talisman symbol is recognised by emergency staff, both in the UK and abroad. The SOS Talisman capsule is water-tight and heat resistant so the information is protected at all times.

For more information, telephone 0141 639 7090 or visit their website at www.medical-bracelets.co.uk

Universal Medical ID (UK)

Universal Medical ID features custom-engraved medical indentification 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.

Starting from £19.95, 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 at: www.universalmedicalid.co.uk

Your donation will be secure and GiftAid will be assessed for UK taxpayers, increasing your donation by up to 28%.  Or send a cheque, payable to The Pituitary Foundation, to:  The Pituitary Foundation, PO Box 1944, Bristol, BS99 2UB.

Please help us continue to provide crucial information to the pituitary community by donating today.