Your medical ID speaks for you when you can't. First responders check the wrist first, then the neck, so put the details that could change your emergency care right on your ID.
What to include, in order of importance
- Your name. Full first and last name, or first initial and last name if you prefer privacy (for example, K. JONES).
- Key medical conditions. Anything that could affect treatment, such as diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, or Alzheimer's.
- Allergies. Start with "ALGY:" so it's clear (for example, ALGY: PENICILLIN). If you carry an EpiPen, say so.
- Important medications. Start with "ON" so it isn't confused with an allergy (for example, ON WARFARIN).
- Treatment restrictions. For example, NO BP/IV RT ARM, or DNR.
- Emergency contact. Use "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) with a phone number.
Sample layout
KAREN JONES
TYPE 1 DIABETES
ALGY: PENICILLIN, SULFA
ON BLOOD THINNERS
ICE: MARK 555-987-6543
SEE WALLET CARD
Common abbreviations
| Meaning | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Allergy / Allergies | ALGY / ALGYS |
| No known allergies | NKA |
| Type 1 / Type 2 diabetes | T1D / T2D |
| High blood pressure | HBP / HTN |
| Congestive heart failure | CHF |
| Penicillin | PCN |
| Do not resuscitate | DNR |
| In case of emergency | ICE |
Tips
- Check your spelling twice, and ask someone else to look too. We engrave exactly what you enter, and engraved items can't be returned.
- How much fits? It depends on the style. Many of our dual-sided bracelets fit about 5 lines on the front and 4 on the back, at up to 24 characters per line. Each product page shows its exact limits.
- Too much to fit? Engrave the essentials and add "SEE WALLET CARD" so responders know to look for a card with your full details.
- Not sure what to prioritize? Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Read our full guide: What to Engrave on a Medical ID Bracelet or Necklace.
Oct 13, 2026