Medic Alert

MedicAlert® History

MedicAlert® was founded in America in 1956 by Dr M Collins and Mrs Chrissie Collins after their daughter almost died following an allergic reaction to the horse serum used in a routine tetanus antitoxin test. From this small beginning, MedicAlert® has grown to a worldwide membership of over four million from around 40 different countries.

MedicAlert® was originally a special project of the British Isles & Ireland Lions Clubs who brought the idea over from the US in the early 60's. Today, MedicAlert® is a non-profit making, registered charity that works independently with the invaluable support of the Lions.

The Lions Clubs distribute leaflets and posters to doctor's surgeries and hospital waiting rooms. They actively support and promote the organisation within the community and where possible provide people on limited income with sponsored memberships

The MedicAlert Foundation

MedicAlert® is the only non-profit making, registered charity providing a life-saving identification system for individuals with hidden medical conditions and allergies. This takes the form of body-worn bracelets or necklets (known as MedicAlert® Emblems) bearing the MedicAlert® symbol on the disc and supported by a 24-hour emergency telephone service. Each member receives an Emblem that is engraved with the wearer's main medical condition(s) or vital details, a personal ID number and a 24 hour emergency telephone number that can access their details from anywhere in the world in over 100 languages.

MedicAlert® British Isles & Ireland has its head office near Islington in central London. The office is staffed by over 30 paid employees who provide a complete support service to over 215,000 members, as well as processing thousands of application forms for membership every year. We also have 517 individuals that make up our dedicated supporter network.

Who Needs MedicAlert®

You need MedicAlert® if…

• you have any type of hidden medical condition
• you have an allergy
• you have had any type of implant
• you take regular medication
• you would like your blood group to be recorded
• you have a living will or wish to be an organ donor
• you simply want someone else to know if you have been involved in an emergency

And this is just the beginning. It is important to understand that everybody, irrespective of whether they are 100% fit and healthy, could justify becoming a member of MedicAlert®. The charity does not simply provide bracelets and necklets, but a complete life-saving service. In an emergency it may be just as vital to know who your next of kin are as it is to know your medical details.

How To Join MedicAlert®

You can join MedicAlert® quickly and easily by calling freephone 0800 581 420 during office hours, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. The Membership Services team will record all personal details and our fully qualified nurses will take down medical information.

Alternatively, an application form can be obtained by calling freephone 0800 581 420 or you can download the form from the MedicAlert® website: www.medicalert.org.uk. The completed application form is sent to MedicAlert®, along with the joining fee.

Within 14 days, the member will receive their chosen Emblem and wallet card containing the relevant information held on our files. The disc will be engraved with the wearer's main medical condition, a personal ID number and the 24-hour emergency telephone number.

MedicAlert® Emblem Costs

Emblem prices start from £19.95 with an introductory £10 annual subscription (normally £15). New members will receive both their Emblem and a laminated membership card with details of the information stored on the computer. The annual subscription ensures that the member's details are kept up to date and they are issued with a new membership card on an annual basis.

9ct gold, silver and gold plated bracelets and necklets are also available at additional cost.

Subsidised and Free Memberships:

MedicAlert®'s status as the only registered charity that provides this life-saving service means that whenever possible, free membership is awarded to people who would otherwise be unable to afford membership of such a system. Over the last five years the Lions have helped contribute to the lifetime membership of approximately 4,500 people with thousands more qualifying for part-sponsorship. If you think you are eligible for sponsorship and would like to become a member of MedicAlert®'s life-saving identification system please contact you local Lion Club's MedicAlert® Officer or your local Lions MedicAlert® District Officer for more details.

Multiple District 105 MedicAlert Liaison Officer
John king Fisher