DNR Medical ID

DNR Medical ID

Do You Need A Medical Alert Bracelet or Medical ID for a DNR (do not resuscitate) Decision?

DNACPR (do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation), DNAR (do not attempt resuscitation) and DNR (do not resuscitate) all have the same meaning: a decision that if your heart or breathing stops, your healthcare team will not try to restart it. DNACPR is about CPR only. Making a DNACPR decision does not mean that you will not get care and treatment - you will continue to receive all the other appropriate care, treatment and support you need.

In the UK, a DNACPR form is not legally binding, but it is a way to request doctors, nurses or paramedics not to attempt CPR. You can make your treatment decisions legally binding by writing an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT), sometimes called a Living Will. An ADRT explains in what circumstances you wish to refuse CPR (or other specific treatments) and is best written in consultation with your doctor or healthcare team.

You should share any DNACPR or ADRT decisions and where you keep these documents with your GP, local ambulance service, family and carers to ensure that they are aware of your wishes.

ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) is increasingly being adopted by health and care communities throughout the UK. The process is for anyone but is particularly relevant for people who are likely to be nearing the end of their lives and people who are at risk of sudden deterioration or cardiac arrest. The ReSPECT process creates a personalised recommendation for your clinical care in emergencies where you are not able to make decisions or express your wishes and can include a DNACPR form.

A DNACPR medical alert bracelet or an ADRT medical ID is a great way to ensure that first responders are made aware of your wishes rapidly in an emergency, especially if this occurs away from home.

For more information on DNACPR decisions. ADRTs and ReSPECT, please follow the links below:

DNACPR – NHS

ADRTs - NHS

ReSPECT – Resuscitation Council UK

There are many medical IDs to choose from so you can select the style that best suits you and your lifestyle, with choices from casual to more stylish designs. To help you choose, we’ve curated a DNACPR range of medical IDs where you'll find ID cards, wristbands, necklaces and medical alert bracelets. Our medical alert bracelets and necklaces feature the well-known medical alert symbol and can be engraved with your details.

Our DNACPR range includes medical IDs that allow you to engrave up to 5 lines of text so you can cover multiple conditions and you can choose to list additional information on a medical ID card.

All prices include free engraving and free UK mainland delivery.

What Should You Put on a DNR Medical ID?

It is always best to consult with your doctor or specialist to decide what to engrave on your DNR or ADRT medical ID. If this is not possible, we have taken advice from the lovely doctors at Concierge Medical (the multi-award-winning private GP service for the Cotswolds and surrounding areas) and recommend the following:

As a minimum, you should put the following on your DNR medical ID:

• Your DNR or ADRT request(s).
• Your name.
• Your primary ICE (in case of emergency number).

You may also want to include the following:

• Any other severe medical conditions (including allergies).
• Any medications you may be on.
• “See medical card” (if you choose to carry a medical ID card in your phone case or wallet). A medical card is a useful way to provide more detailed information about your ADRT decisions.

If you choose a medical ID bracelet that can be engraved on both the front and the back, we recommend that you engrave the DNR or ADRT request(s), name and ICE on the front and any additional medical information on the back.

General advice on engraving:

• information should relate to conditions not otherwise discoverable by examination of an unconscious or incapacitated patient.
• Important medications should be listed.
• Information should be relevant to life-saving or emergency treatment.
• Avoid using general terms, e.g. “Allergies: bee stings, nuts” is much more useful than just “Allergies”.

DNR Wristbands

Soft, silicone wristbands are a popular choice for a DNR medical alert ID as they’re comfortable and convenient to wear throughout the day and evening, indoors and out. We have many different colours you can choose from with inside engraving, outside engraving orinside and outside engraving. Our Velcro and Silicone ranges are great if you like to stay active. All of our wristbands are available in a range of sizes from extra small to extra large and many of them are adjustable.

Our £4.95 generic DNR medical alert wristband is available in a range of colours including purple which is associated with DNR requests in a number of countries, including the UK.

DNR Bracelets

We also have a huge range of bracelets to choose from: from everyday wear to special occasions. Our bracelets come in a wide variety of styles and materials including leather, fabric, titanium and stainless steel.

As well as our bracelets, we also offer watch style SOS Talismans that allow the wearer to write their details onto an information strip and store inside the SOS capsule, great for individuals whose details or medications might change frequently.

Our bracelets are adjustable or available in a variety of sizes from 5 inches (12.7cm) to 9 inches (22cm).

DNR Necklaces

If you would prefer to wear a necklace, our dog tags and pendants offer a subtle and stylish way to display important data. Choose from gold, brushed steel, stainless steel or coloured designs created for men and women.

Our SOS Talisman and Infomedic necklaces are also a convenient way of keeping details of your condition with you at all times. Keep your data safely tucked away inside the unique pendant.

Quick Identification in Emergencies

Medical ID bracelets are a form of medical alert ID and are a simple, quick and effective way to communicate vital information and personal details.

In an emergency, paramedics, EMTs and other first responders will undertake a primary survey of the patient including checking for medical alert bracelets or chains at the major pulse points. This is part of paramedics’ training.

The pulse points most commonly used in an emergency are:

• Carotid artery: this is the strongest pulse as it is a large artery and closer to the heart than other pulse points.
• Radial artery: more commonly used for conscious patients as it’s considered to be less invasive than putting a hand on the patient’s neck.

That's why the most useful medical ID alerts are worn at the wrist or neck.

Note that there is no expectation for first responders to check pockets, wallets, phones or bags for medical identity cards, medication or other information unless this is specifically referenced on a medical ID bracelet or medical ID necklace. For example, “see medical card”.

It’s also important that medical ID bracelets are easily recognisable as medical IDs. All of our medical ID bracelets, wristbands and necklaces feature the internationally recognised snake and staff, also known as the staff of Asclepius within the six-pointed star is the star of life. Asclepius was the god of medicine and healing in ancient Greek religion and mythology, while the star of life was adopted by the World Medical Association "as the universal emergency medical information symbol" in 1964.

Communication of Patient's Wishes

In an emergency where the patient is unresponsive, a medical alert ID is a quick and effective way to communicate the patient’s medical information and the patient’s wishes. The inclusion of an ICE contact on a personalised medical ID also helps medical professionals to rapidly confirm a patient’s wishes.

A medical alert ID can provide clear communication to first responders and others in an emergency to try to ensure that the patient's wishes are understood and respected by all members of their healthcare team

Considerations Before Purchasing a DNR Medical ID

Please note, that these bands are intended to be advisory only. Different countries, US states and health authorities may have different/additional requirements for a DNR notification. We accept no responsibility for the applicability of the DNR request within your location. Please seek the advice of a medical or legal professional to check the requirements for a DNR request. These bands are intended to be a visible alert to a medical professional that you have additional information/instructions in place to support a DNR request as required by the applicable laws/requirements in your country/location. Please be aware that if you travel elsewhere the laws/requirements may differ from your home location.