$Unique_ID{BRK00491} $Pretitle{} $Title{The MedicAlert Foundation} $Subject{emergency special condition MedicAlert Foundation International medical conditions care abnormal cardiograms clotting bleeding disorders disorder pacemaker diabetes mellitus asthma high blood pressure hypertension seizure allergy allergies medications medicines medicine medication sensitivity alerting emblem identification bracelet resource resources} $Volume{Z-0} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. A Resource About The MedicAlert Foundation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One out of four people have a special condition that needs to be known in an emergency, According to the MedicAlert Foundation International. Most of these people lead active, healthy lives. Yet, emergency personnel providing usual care can make tragic and even fatal mistakes unless these special medical conditions are known. While over 200 conditions exist, a panel of leading emergency room physicians developed a list of 55 conditions that require special attention in the first few moments of emergency care. They include abnormal cardiograms, clotting or bleeding disorders, the presence of a pacemaker, diabetes, asthma, hypertension and seizure disorders. Any allergy or medication sensitivity, as well as any currently taken medication can change the priority and type of medical care need to save your life when disaster strikes. The MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives, was was founded by a physician in 1956. It offers a 4-way protection system including the alerting emblem, as worn on a special identification bracelet, which also is engraved with your primary medical conditions and your personal identification number, a hotline, computerized emergency medical record, and backup wallet card. All serve to protect you at a moment when you may be unable to speak for yourself. You can obtain more information about the benefits offered by this internationally known organization by writing to MedicAlert Foundation, Turlock California 95381-1009 or calling 800-ID ALERT. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.