flashID™ Emergency Identification System™ FAQ

You must have a computer that operates under Windows 98SE or above* and has a USB port.

This also applies to some, though not all, Apple Mac computers running OSX or above and using MS Word.

* Windows XP will automatically recognise flashID™, but it may be necessary to download a driver for older versions. For the driver, please click here or from go to our Downloads page which has available the drivers and other useful tools.

What emergency services can use the flashID device?

Any police or ambulance vehicle with an on-board computer equipped with a USB port can read the flashID™ device, as can computers in hospital Accident & Emergency departments.

Also, most doctors will be able to access the information when required.

Is the flashID device free of viruses?

The flashID device is shipped with a pre-loaded document that is certified virus-free.

However, we recommend that when you have completed your Emergency Identification Document you scan the drive with an anti-virus program.

What if I have trouble completing the Emergency Identification Document (EID)?

Comprehensive, illustrated, instructions are available by clicking here, or from the Downloads page .

Why have a password?

We suggest you use a password to guard against tampering with the data in your EID.

Instructions for applying the password are on the last page of the EID loaded on your flashID device.

Can I update or change my EID?

You can indeed. In fact, we recommend that you update your EID and its photograph at least once a year or when there is any significant change to any of the information contained therein.

And if you take advantage of our Free Membership offer, we will send you a reminder when it is time for your annual update.

Can I include a Do Not Resuscitate instruction or Living Will in my EID?

If you wish you can include this, or any other instructions in the box on the final page of your EID.

However, this does not guarantee that such instructions will be heeded, as legislation regarding such matters varies considerably from one legal jurisdiction to another.

We recommend you discuss this with your medical or legal adviser, and some links to this and related subjects are on our Links page.

Should I backup my Emergency Identification Document (EID)?

Yes, when you have completed the EID we recommend that you save a back up copy to your computer.

What happens if I accidentally erase my EID?

If you have saved a backup copy on your computer you can copy it to your flashID device using Windows Explorer.

If you do not have a backup copy, send us an email to [email protected] and we'll send you the blank document as an email attachment. (Note: For security reasons we do not have the EID available as a downloadable document on our website.)

Can we use one flashID for the whole family?

Theoretically, yes. But the whole point of the flashID™ Emergency Identification Device™ is to facilitate immediate identification and inform as to the holder's particular medical needs.

Better to buy additional flashID devices for the entire family, taking advantage of the discounts offered on our Free Membership page.

What about the Australian Government's proposed smart card?

Unlike so-called “smart cards” that require sophisticated and expensive readers, the flashID™ Emergency Identification Device™ can be read on any computer running the Windows 98 operating system or above and equipped with a USB port.

Once the document has been completed and saved, all that is necessary is for the device to be plugged into a computer in the emergency vehicle or in a hospital computer, and relevant information is immediately available in a standardised document.

What personal data is carried?

The identification data is carried in a Microsoft™ Word document which comes pre-loaded on the device, and which is then completed by the owner. This document is easily completed, has provision for a photograph of the owner and includes instructions to guard against tampering.

N.B. It is important to note that the precise amount of information disclosed in the document is determined solely by what the device’s owner feels comfortable providing.

Typically it would include personal and contact details, alerts for particular medical conditions or allergies, the name and contact details for the owner’s GP, and details for next of kin or other emergency contacts. Also, in the event of death, it will also show whether the owner is registered as an organ donor and contain the number of the owner's donor registration card.

(If you have not already done so, by registering to become an organ donor you could be making the greatest gift one human being can give another – the gift of life. In Australia alone, there are almost 2000 people on organ transplant waiting lists at any given time. Some of them will die waiting.)

Where is the database located?

An important feature of flashID is that there IS NO DATABASE. The only data is that contained within the EID - and you decide how much or how little to include.

It's that easy.

Is there a danger of identity theft?

The flashID device is not intended as a legal means of identification, but as an aid to rapid and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the event of a medical emergency.