First Responders and MedicAlert
First responders are essential to MedicAlert. They are our trusted partners in providing our members with the best possible care in emergency situations. They are critical to fulfilling our mission to save and protect lives by sharing information in our members’ moment of need. First responders value MedicAlert because the information we provide empowers them to deliver faster, more accurate care in a hectic emergency setting. Because this partnership is so important to what we do, MedicAlert invests in training and educating first responders.
Training first responders
MedicAlert Foundation offers free first responder training to help improve emergency response outcomes for anyone involved in an accident or medical emergency. Emergency medical professionals are trained to look for and read medical IDs. They know that the critical medical information engraved on a medical ID – a bracelet, necklace, shoe tag or wallet card – can save lives. And, because there’s much more to a MedicAlert membership than just the engraving on the ID, first responders also know to contact us immediately for further vital medical information to help inform their next actions.
To access the free online training, visit: CareerCert.com
What emergency professional training courses are available?
First responder training is available through CareerCert, formerly Medic-CE.com. CareerCert is the leading provider of EMS continuing education and management. The purpose of the course is to educate first responders on the value and use of MedicAlert medical identification and emergency services. This comprehensive online training covers the following topics:
MedicAlert Foundation information and services
- MedicAlert history
- MedicAlert 24/7 Emergency Service
- Using MedicAlert IDs
- What’s in the MedicAlert digital health profile
- Wandering Support services for those with dementia or autism
Emergency response topics
- Recognizing various forms and styles of MedicAlert medical IDs
- Identifying the information engraved on a MedicAlert ID
- Understanding the benefits of early recognition of a MedicAlert medical ID
- Understanding the value of MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response service as it pertains to the individual being treated
- Understanding the risks and liabilities of an ignored or undetected MedicAlert ID
- Understanding the role of a MedicAlert ID when used as a valid DNR order or advanced directive notification
In addition to MedicAlert’s free training courses, we also provide MedicAlert IDs to health professionals at no charge for training purposes. Email us at member_services@medicalert.org to request a first responder training ID.
How does MedicAlert provide emergency medical information to first responders?
There are several levels of medical information that can assist first responders when treating an individual. The most critical, top-line information available to first responders is on the custom engraved medical ID. Beyond that, the individual’s full medical history can be obtained by contacting our 24/7 emergency response service.
Our 24/7 emergency response service uses a trained team of specialists, with experience in emergency medical professions. When a first responder identifies a MedicAlert ID in the form of a jewelry tag or wallet card and contacts our team, we act as the liaison between the first responder and the individual in need of care. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our team relays the information maintained in our members’ digital health records to expedite care for the person in need. Our team is trained to communicate with first responders, doctors, nurses and other emergency professionals. They can provide our members’ complete medical profile and history to the receiving medical facility. They’ll also connect the first responder with the member’s family or other emergency contacts to improve outcomes anytime a member is unable to communicate.
A MedicAlert member’s digital health record contains the following medical history and information that is relayed to emergency response professionals:
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Allergies
- Implanted devices
- Surgeries
- Vaccinations
- Organ donor
- Advance Directives
- Emergency contacts
How MedicAlert Benefits Health Professionals
MedicAlert is endorsed by these national medical associations:
- American Hospital Association
- American Medical Association
- American College of Emergency Physicians
MedicAlert relies on health professionals, and we work closely together to provide the most informed treatment and care, and to avoid potential medical errors. A complete view into an individual’s full medical history can help clinicians, as well as emergency personnel, to provide better care and improved outcomes.
So, while we’re widely recognized for our role in accidents and emergencies, MedicAlert can also communicate the complete medical history of an individual during doctor’s appointments, radiological appointments, and procedures, and to other healthcare professionals. There is a great deal of information stored in a MedicAlert digital health record to assist health professionals in achieving the best possible treatment results, including current and past medical conditions, medications, implanted devices, allergies, vaccinations and much more.