Medical Alert RFID

I have relatives that wear those medical alert bracelets, the ones that tell a doctor or EMT that the patient may be diabetic, have a heart condition or have an allergy.  The only problem with jewelry being used for this type of notification is that it can fall off or the wearer forgets to put it on. 

While the implications of personal privacy and RFID are many, I do think it makes sense for a voluntary program for people with chronic conditions.  Imagine if you will a sub-dermal chip placed in the neck with a small and unobtrusive medical tattoo, indicating that the person has a medical alert implant and that it can be read with a hand scanner.    Immediate conditions could be designated with an additional standardized glyph system that identifies specific conditions to address those times when a hand scanner isn't available.  The Glyph system would have an additional benefit of crossing language barriers if the standard was accepted world wide as well as being able to keep the tattoo to a reasonable size.

Verichip already has an RFID system for patients, external as well as sub-dermal.  Insurers are already studying the use of RFID's in patients.  Other than overcoming religious taboo, I think it makes sense.