If your child were in an accident at school or at an extra-curricular activity, would someone on the scene of the accident know how to immediately contact you? In an emergency, would you know the names of every medication you take? In a medical crisis, would your parent’s caregiver know your parent’s allergies?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has developed Emergency Patient Information (EPI) for these situations. EPI allows you to store important information about medical conditions, medications, allergies, recent surgeries and various other health-related information about you and those you love.

How Does It Work?
Simply go to www.myepi.net to register. You’ll set up an individual User ID and password, and then you’ll record your medical and emergency contact information. Once you’ve entered your information, you can print a temporary EPI card and order a permanent EPI card, which will arrive via U.S. mail in five to seven business days. Your card displays your name, the name and telephone number of your emergency contact and your Rescue Login, which is a 10-character number that identifies you. If you are registering your family, each person will have a different Rescue Login and his or her own EPI card. You can also order duplicate cards for you and your family. Carry your card in your wallet, leave one in your car and don’t forget about your child’s card – put it in the backpack, gym bag or diaper bag.

If you are ever in an emergency situation, rescue workers will log onto the EPI system and enter the Rescue Login number from your card, which allows them to obtain your medical information and emergency contact information that you have entered immediately. The Rescue Login allows “read-only” access. None of your information can be changed without logging on with the correct user ID and password. You are in control of your information. You decide what information to store in your account – enter as much or as little information as you’d like. You can update information as often as you’d like. Simply log onto your account and make any necessary changes; all information is immediately saved and updated.

Who Should Use EPI?
EPI is a free service provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and is available to all indivduals, regardless of their insurance carrier. It’s a great program for everyone, especially children, the elderly and those who may have serious medical conditions. Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to take ten minutes, go to www.myepi.net and register for their EPI cards today – it may save a life…maybe even yours!