Emergency Medical Card
Make a free medical ID card for your wallet or lock screen. Nothing you type leaves this device.
Questions people ask
There's more detail on the privacy and terms pages.
What is an emergency medical card?
An emergency medical card, also called a medical ID card, is a small card you carry that tells a stranger how to help you when you can't tell them yourself. It says what your condition is, what to do and what not to do, which medicines you take, what you're allergic to, and who to call.
What else are these cards called?
People call it a medical ID card, a medical alert card, a medical wallet card, an emergency information card, or an ICE card, where ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. People with one condition often name it after that condition, like a diabetic card, an epilepsy card, or an allergy card.
Who should carry one?
Anyone who might need a stranger to act quickly. That includes people with diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition, a severe allergy, Addison's disease, dementia, or autism, and anyone who takes blood thinners. It's also worth having if you live alone, look after someone, or have a child with a condition who goes to school, camp, or a club without you.
When is it most useful?
Whenever you're away from the people who know you. Travelling abroad is the big one. Pick the local language as the second language in the Language menu, and the back of the card is printed in it for a stranger there to read. It also helps on a commute, on a run or a hike, at the gym, and on a night out. A card in your wallet still works when your phone is locked, flat, or broken.
Where should I keep it?
Put it next to your ID or bank card, as that's where someone looks when they need to know who you are. Keep a second one in your bag or glovebox, and set the lock screen image on your phone.
Is it free?
Yes. There's nothing to pay, no account, and no adverts. The code is open source under the MIT licence.
Where do my details go?
Nowhere. Everything you type stays in your browser on your own device and is never sent to a server. To keep your card safe or move it to another device, choose Save a copy from the File menu.
How do I print my wallet card?
For a print shop, choose PDF for a print shop from the Download menu. The file is the card's exact size, and every letter in it is drawn as a shape, so it prints the same on any printer. Ask the shop to print it at 100% scale on thick card or PVC and to laminate it. If the shop asks for a different file, the same menu has a PNG of each side at 600 or 300 dpi, and an SVG. To print it yourself, choose Print at home. It puts the front and back side by side on an A4 or Letter page. Print that at actual size, cut the card out, fold it along the middle, and laminate it.
Can I put the card on my phone?
Yes. Choose Phone above the preview to see it, then choose Lock screen image from the Download menu. It's the same card laid out for a phone screen, placed below where the clock sits. Set it as your lock screen wallpaper and anyone can see it without unlocking your phone. Fill in your phone's own Medical ID or emergency information too.
Is it the same as a medical ID bracelet?
No, and they work well together. A bracelet is quicker to spot and survives water, but it only holds a few words. A card holds what to do, what not to do, your medicines, and your contacts. Plenty of people wear a bracelet that says "See wallet card".
Is this the HSE medical card or the ABHA card?
No. Ireland's medical card and India's ABHA health card are government health schemes. This is a card you carry so that strangers know how to help you in an emergency. It isn't linked to any government, insurer, or hospital.
Can it be in my language?
Probably. The card can be in one language, or two with one on each side, from 47 languages. You choose them in the Language menu. Indian languages, Thai, Khmer, Georgian, Armenian, Amharic, and every Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic language are set in a font made for them. The headings in languages other than English were translated with AI and haven't been checked by native speakers yet, and the editor tells you when that's the case. Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are coming later.
Where does the suggested text come from?
It was drafted with AI from public first aid pages by the NHS, Diabetes UK, Asthma + Lung UK, Epilepsy Action, and others, named beside each suggestion. A clinician hasn't reviewed it yet. Check it with your doctor before you print.
How often should I update it?
Whenever your medicines, your condition, or your contacts change. Turn on the date in the Look menu so whoever reads it can see how recent it is. If you save a copy from the File menu, you can open it later with Open a copy, change what's new, and download the card again.
What sizes are there?
You choose the size in the Size menu. The wallet card is 85.6 × 54 mm, the size of a bank card. The pocket card is 105 × 74 mm, the size of an A7 sheet, and has bigger text. There's also a lock screen image for your phone.
What does the QR code do?
When someone scans it with their phone camera, it saves one contact with your emergency numbers. You can add your condition, blood group, hospital, and address. It's off until you turn it on in the QR code section of the form.
Why the red cross?
It's the symbol most people recognise for medical help. It's also a protected emblem under the Geneva Conventions, so the Look menu lets you pick the Rod of Asclepius or no emblem instead.