When you have food allergies, it's very important to be prepared for emergencies. During an emergency, the people around you might not always realize what’s happening or know what steps to take.

That’s where a medical ID bracelet can be really useful. This is a kind of identification that lets people know about your food allergies and what to do if you have a life-threatening reaction. One member of MyFoodAllergyTeam shared, “My hospital told me I should get a medical bracelet. There are lots of different ones to choose from for food allergies.”

How can a medical ID bracelet help people with food allergies? What types are available? Is wearing one right for you? Read on for three important reasons why you or your loved one might consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or another form of food allergy identification.

1. A Medical ID Helps Others Know What To Do in an Allergy Emergency

A medical ID bracelet is also called a medical alert bracelet. It tells people that you have one or more food allergies, and it provides instructions on what to do in an emergency.

As anyone with food allergies knows, your loved ones need to know about your allergy symptoms and what could happen. But it’s just as important for strangers to be able to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and know how to help. With a medical bracelet, they’ll have that important information right at their fingertips. This type of jewelry can share your allergy triggers, medications you’re taking, or emergency contact numbers.

Many food allergy symptoms require emergency medical attention. Without medical identification that identifies your food allergy, other people may not take immediate action. Wearing a medical bracelet can help those around you know how to respond to a food allergy reaction.

2. Emergency Responders Can Access Your Medical Information

When paramedics, ER staff, or other medical professionals see your bracelet, they’ll immediately know about your allergies and other relevant health conditions. This can help them provide the right treatment quickly.

A survey conducted by American Medical ID found that more than 95 percent of emergency responders look for medical IDs during emergencies. Medical IDs like food allergy bracelets provide vital health information to others.

Medical identifications are usually customized to reflect your unique health status. They often include information such as:

• Your full name
• Your specific food allergy (such as wheat, dairy, peanuts, soy, or other allergens)
• Other medical conditions you have (including asthma or severe allergies to medication)
• Where to find any emergency medications and directions on how to administer them (such as “EpiPen in pocket — directions on label”)
• Any previous surgeries or medications you take
• The phone number of an emergency contact, such as a parent, partner, or close friend

When health care providers can quickly access this information, they can give you the safest and most effective treatment possible. Knowing what medications you take can help them avoid dangerous interactions. If you have allergies to drugs, this knowledge can help health care providers prevent an allergic reaction.

3. A Medical ID May Increase Peace of Mind

Wearing a medical ID can make you feel more comfortable and safe. This is especially true when you’re out in public or traveling. You’ll know that if you are accidentally exposed to a food allergen, people nearby will be able to help and your emergency contacts will be notified.

If you’re the parent of a child with a food allergy, it can give you a sense of comfort to know that your child has a way to communicate their condition with others. “My girls both have medical alert bracelets,” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote. “They have the simple silver bracelet with different colored charms. We have had them for almost two years, never taken them off. Food allergies aren’t an easy road, but these help.”

Other Types of Medical IDs

A medical ID bracelet is one of the easiest, most recognized, and effective ways to communicate medical conditions to others. Medical ID bracelets don’t require service or upkeep or have batteries that run out.

There are many other options for medical IDs besides bracelets. These include watches, necklaces, ID cards, tags, pendants, and key fobs. Most medical alert jewelry allows you to engrave information. Others provide slots for paper inserts. In the United States, medical IDs usually have the Star of Life symbol, which represents emergency medical services. This shows emergency services staff that the wearer has a medical condition.

Depending on the style of jewelry and the seller, you can usually find medical ID jewelry at an affordable price. Silicone bracelets are usually about $15, while custom-engraved metal styles cost more. They come in many materials and colors, including stainless steel for long-term durability, functionality, and style. You can also find free medical ID cards online to print at home.

Think about what style would work best for your lifestyle and preferences. One MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote, “I got a medical alert necklace online. They have some expensive ones, but also some for $20. Lots of different styles. I just wish I’d gotten a bracelet cuff instead because my necklace is difficult to take off for martial arts practice.”

Food allergy jewelry is just one form of medical ID. There are many other options that might suit your needs.

Audio Recorders

Audio medical IDs are small audio recorders that clip onto your clothing. They allow you to save information in an audio file for emergency personnel to hear. You can record a message that includes details about first aid or relevant medical information. If you have an allergic reaction, first responders can easily press play to listen to your prerecorded message.

USB Devices

Another alternative is a USB device that holds your medical information in one place. This could include PDFs of blood test results, previous allergy tests, prior emergency reactions, and copies of your medical records. You can attach it to a dog tag, keychain, or wristband for easy access. USB devices could be helpful not only in a medical emergency but also for a regular doctor’s appointment.

With USB medical alert IDs, keep in mind that your medical information should be kept confidential. When looking to buy a USB medical ID, make sure it has an encryption feature with proper security guarantees.

Medical Tattoos

Some people opt for medical ID tattoos. These are tattoos that provide the same identifying information as traditional medical IDs. If that idea appeals to you, speak to your doctor to determine whether it’s safe for you to get a tattoo.

“I got a tattoo that says ‘allergies’ on my left wrist, as this is where an EMT will see it first when checking for a pulse,” a MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote. “Great for anyone who forgets their bracelet.”

Smartphone Apps for Medical IDs

Some smartphones have features that let people access specific medical information from your lock screen. This way, medical professionals can see your health information without needing a password for your phone.

If you have an iPhone, you can set up a smart medical ID by following Apple’s instructions. If you have an Android or other non-iOS phone, you may need to download an app. Simply search for “medical ID app” on Google Play or your phone manufacturer’s app store.

Near-field communication (NFC) allows smartphones and other similar devices to communicate with other technologies. They can then transfer information — including medical data — over short distances. If you have a wristband, wallet card, or key fob that uses NFC, medical personnel can access your medical information on a secure website during emergencies. This information can include anything you think would be important in a health emergency, including care plans, prescriptions, and medical documents.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with allergies to food.

Do you wear a medical ID bracelet or carry another form of medical alert to let people know about your allergies? Has it been useful? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.