The Calgary Police Service and City of Calgary have partnered with the MedicAlert Foundation Canada to improve how first responders access information about anyone who may require special attention in an emergency due to a medical, mental health or physical condition, or due to a cognitive developmental disability.

Vulnerable persons in Calgary who have a condition or disability that first responders need to know about are encouraged to subscribe to this service, or they can also be registered by their family or care givers. While there is a small fee to subscribe, MedicAlert is a registered charity that offers flexible subscription plans and financial assistance to those who need it.

Through the MedicAlert Connect Protect program, Emergency Communications Officers at Calgary 9-1-1 will have 24-hour direct access to every MedicAlert subscriber’s recent photo and personal information including identity, physical descriptions, condition descriptions, medical needs, wandering history, and behavior management strategies such as anxiety triggers and de-escalation techniques. The database also includes emergency contact information, allowing first responders to quickly contact a subscriber’s loved ones.

In an emergency, police officers, paramedics and firefighters can access this information through Calgary 9-1-1 using the unique ID number that every subscriber has on their MedicAlert Medical ID. These IDs can take any form that works for the subscriber, including watches, jewelry, or even shoe tags. Since the ID is worn by the subscriber, emergency personnel can still identify them and access their information even if the person is unconscious or unable to identify themselves.

The Medical IDs also have a 1-800 number on them that allow first responders anywhere to access the same information if the subscriber has an emergency outside of Calgary. For more information or to register, visit www.medicalert.ca or call 1-800-668-1507.​