What to engrave
You choose what goes on the back. You can have up to four lines, and only one is needed. Space is small, so make every line count.
What people usually put
- Your nameAs your family or GP would know you. A long name can be shortened, for example J. SMITH or JEAN S.
- The one thing they must know firstA condition, an allergy or a medicine that could change how a paramedic treats you. For example T1 DIABETIC, PENICILLIN or WARFARIN.
- Someone to callEngraved as ICE, which means In Case of Emergency, with a phone number. Add a short name if it fits, for example MUM 07700 900123.
- Your NHS number (recommended)In England it lets the crew look up your medicines and allergies on your Summary Care Record. In Scotland use your CHI number, and in Northern Ireland your Health and Care number.
Lines can go in any order. You can also add your date of birth, or a line with no label at all, just your own words.
Some examples
Three ways people use the space. Mix and match the lines that suit you.
A serious allergy
Especially an allergy to a medicine a paramedic might give, such as penicillin. The NHS number lets them check the rest of the record.
A condition that changes treatment
Such as diabetes, epilepsy, a pacemaker, or taking blood thinners. With someone to call underneath.
Someone who might get confused
A first line with no label, in your own words, then their name and who to call. Useful for anyone who might become confused or lost.
Fitting it in
Each line holds up to 18 characters on the Guardian, 16 on the Lifeline and 14 on the Heritage. Spaces count too.
Full words are clearest. If something won’t fit, these short forms are widely understood.
| Engrave | Meaning |
|---|---|
| T1 DIABETIC | Type 1 diabetes |
| T2 DIABETIC | Type 2 diabetes |
| EPILEPSY | Epilepsy (already short enough) |
| PACEMAKER | Has a pacemaker fitted |
| ON WARFARIN | Takes a blood thinner (use the name of yours) |
| DEMENTIA | Living with dementia |
| NUT ALLERGY | Allergic to nuts |
| ICE | In Case of Emergency, followed by a phone number |
If you’re not sure what matters most for you, your GP or pharmacist can help you decide.
Finding your NHS number
We recommend adding your NHS number, but it’s up to you. It’s 10 digits long, usually written in three groups like this: 943 476 5919. You can find it:
- in the NHS App, in your profile
- on a repeat prescription slip
- on most letters from your GP surgery or the hospital
- by logging in to your account on the NHS website (the old online look-up service has closed; the NHS explains the other ways (opens in a new tab))
- by asking your GP surgery
When you type an NHS, CHI or Health and Care number on our website, we check that the digits add up the way they should. If one looks wrong, we’ll let you know so you can check it.
Before you order, you’ll see a written proof of every line, exactly as we’ll engrave it. Please read it carefully and tick to confirm it’s right.