What to Engrave
Recommended details to add
Your MediWear pendant is a key to faster, safer care. Based on direct collaboration with experienced paramedics who recommend engraving three essential details:
- Your official name
Just your first name and surname initial (e.g. Sarah P.). This helps paramedics quickly identify you and confirm they’ve found the right record - make sure it's the name your GP will have on their system. - Your date of birth
A simple but reliable second check. Used with your name, it helps emergency teams verify your identity quickly. - Your NHS number
This links directly to your Summary Care Record – where authorised NHS professionals can access your medications, allergies, conditions, and emergency contacts.
Why all three?
You might wonder – why not just engrave the NHS number?
Because even in the best conditions, mistakes happen. If a paramedic types one wrong digit of your NHS number, your record won’t come up – and time will be lost.
Including name, date of birth and NHS number adds built-in redundancy. Paramedics can cross-check all three to be sure they’ve got the right person. It’s the fastest, safest way to get the care you need.
Why not list conditions or allergies?
It might seem helpful to include specific medical details – but in practice, it can do more harm than good:
- There’s limited space, and too much information won’t fit clearly.
- Conditions and medications can change, but your engraving doesn't.
- The NHS number does more. It can give paramedics access to your up-to-date medical history, confirmed by your GP.
With just three simple details – name, date of birth and NHS number – your pendant stays clear, stylish, and most importantly, effective when it matters most.
What are the risks?
Healthcare providers abroad may not be able to access or interpret an NHS number, so we don’t recommend relying solely on the recommended engraving when travelling internationally. While your NHS details are helpful in most UK emergencies, they may not be recognised overseas. If you travel frequently or spend time abroad, we recommend choosing a Custom Engraving with key medical information that can be easily understood anywhere.