Frequently Asked Questions

This form gathers important details about you, like your name, physical description, health needs and how you communicate. It also includes a photo and meaningful information that could help if you ever need to be found. Don’t forget to share the important places that hold memories for you and contact details for those closest to you.

In the UK, a person is considered missing when their whereabouts are unknown, and their well-being cannot be confirmed (College of Policing, 2016). Unlike some countries, there is no mandatory waiting period before reporting someone missing to the police. The definition of “missingness” is based on the perspective of the person reporting. If the person you care for goes missing, act quickly. Contact the police immediately.

The Herbert Protocol form will be shared with the police after they contact MedicAlert UK. Once you report the person missing to the police and inform them you have a Herbert Protocol stored, the police can contact our 24/7 emergency helpline. When they contact us, we will promptly provide the necessary information to assist with their search.

The form is securely stored in your MedicAlert profile, ready to be shared quickly when needed. Your details are kept safe and you can update the information whenever necessary.

The MedicAlert digital Herbert Protocol database keeps everything easy and secure. It is not necessary to have a printed version if you have a MedicAlert profile but you can keep one on hand if you would like.

When you start completing the Herbert Protocol profile, MedicAlert have customer service agents and in-house nurses that can guide you through every step if you need assistance or if you have questions. You can call 01908 951045 for assistance.

Once completed, you will have a valuable tool that offers peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for a quick and safe resolution if you or your loved one ever goes missing.

A carer at a care home, family, friends or the person themselves can fill in the form.

Please get permission from the person at risk or their relatives before you complete a form. If that isn’t possible, a care home can fill in a form if they think it is in the person’s best interests.

Filling in the form with the person can trigger memories that they like to talk about, and can enrich your time with them. Be mindful though that some memories might be upsetting.

We take the security of your personal information very seriously. We are proud to be certified with Cyber Essentials Plus, a government-backed certification that ensures we adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards.

This means we have implemented advanced security measures to protect your data from potential threats. You can rest assured that all personal and medical information you provide is stored and processed securely, safeguarding your privacy and confidentiality at all times.

MedicAlert is a registered charity (charity number 233705) dedicated to providing life-saving medical ID services. For over 60 years, we have been helping individuals with complex medical conditions by ensuring that vital information is accessible in emergencies.

MedicAlert’s globally recognised IDs provide first responders with immediate access to critical medical details, offering peace of mind to our members and their loved ones.