Why should I buy this when I can buy a less-expensive flash drive at an electronics store?
– First, the Card4life is formatted with proprietary software that gives you all the medical information fields ready for you to type your personal data; a store-bought flash drive is not.
– Second, the Card4life is password-protected to safeguard your info; a store-bought flash drive is not.
– Third, the Card4life is "alert red" and has an official Medic-Alert symbol so that emergency personnel know this contains vital medical info, and they will know to insert your Card4life into their on-board computers. They would not know to do this with a store-bought flash drive lacking this symbol.

Will the Card4life work on a Mac?
– Unfortunately, no. It's formatted for Windows XP or higher. If you place it into a Mac, you can see a PDF field but won't be able to type onto it. You may be able to upload image files such as X-rays or living wills from a Mac onto the Card4Life.

What does a computer need to have Card4Life work?
– Card4Life works on a standard USB port.

Can a couple or a family all use one Card4Life device?
– No. The device is formatted to hold the records of a single individual. Other family members would each need their own device to hold their own data.

How do I tell one family member's Card4Life device from another if they all look alike?
– You can use a label maker, or take a fine-point Sharpie pen to write names or other identifying marks to tell them apart.

What if my doctor's office can't or won't plug my Card4Life into a computer?
– While Card4Life works on any Windows-based computer with an available USB port, some offices and/or hospitals may have policies in place to protect their networks from any outside influence. That is, unless it is scanned by their network staff they may not be able to use the device. If that happens or if you think it might happen, simply print out the reports and provide a "hard copy" for the doctor or the hospital. Card4Life is aware that especially in a network environment the doctor's office or hospital may want to protect their computer network to the greatest extent possible and so these situations may arise. We suggest you phone the doctor's office and ask if they'll plug in your Card4Life or if you'll need to print out the pages from home before you show up.

I don't have a computer (or a Windows-based one); can I still use Card4Life?
– Yes. First, find a trusted friend or family member with a Windows-based computer. Card4Life has included a blank form in the same order as the information shown on the Card4Life, this can be filled out by hand and provided to your friend or family member. When the Card4Life is plugged into their computer there is a file called "blank document", they can print that out for you and enter the data later, or you can just sit down with them, enjoy each other's company and fill out your Card4Life together. Once it's filled out, that's it, just take it with you.
You can also borow or rent computer time at libraries or public places, but note there may be risks of viruses or spyware on public machines (tip: never enter a full password on a public computer; instead, copy and paste individual characters to spell out passwords or sensitive info).

Is there someone I can contact about entering information for me?
– We suggest you enlist a trusted friend or family member to do so. However, the Card4Life Los Angeles area distributor, Steven Greenberg, offers this service for a $25 fee; contact him at (805) 402-5849 or card4lifeLA@gmail.com for more information.

What happens if I forget my password?
– It is important that you choose a password you can remember (or write it down in a secure place). Card4Life or its distributors can't access your password and will not be responsible for replacement if you forget it. We encourage everyone to select the password reset option when first setting up your Card4Life. This will allow you to enter your security questions and answers which facilitates resetting your password should you forget it.

Do I have to install anything to have my Card4Life work on my computer?
– Nothing at all. The platform Card4Life runs on is already installed on your computer and if for some reason it's not up-to-date your Card4Life will take care of that for you.

What if I have problems with my Card4Life?
– If you ever have a problem please call us at 877-641-7555 for possible solutions. We will respond as quickly as possible to the problem and get it resolved just as quickly. Not only do we want you as a satisfied customer, we want you to realize how valuable your Card4Life is.

Can I put other documents and a photo on my Card4Life?
– Card4Life has an image file folder for images that can be secured (with a password) or unsecured, you decide. Simply scan your document in as an image file (such as a JPEG) and the Card4Life will convert the image into a PDF document. You will be asked to name the file and should give the file a name that is meaningful. Most X-rays and scans nowadays are in digital form, and a technician could copy the scan onto your Card4Life or give you a CD of it.

Can emergency medical staff use my Card4Life before I get to the hospital?
– Any emergency vehicle that has a computer with a USB device has the capability of running your Card4Life. In these times virtually every ambulance, fire truck and law enforcement vehicle has a computer on board.

How will I know that medical staff either in the hospital, the doctors office or the ambulance will know what the Card4Life is?
– What makes Card4Life a valuable item for you is knowing that it is recognized and accepted by EMS, hospitals and your doctor. We are taking every step possible to inform law enforcement, EMS and medical organizations about Card4Life. What it does and can do, what it looks like and how to use it. In addition to the USB Card4Life we include a Card4Life wallet card since all EMS staff are trained to look in a person's wallet for medical information

If emergency medical staff can access my Card4Life, how can it possibly be secure from anyone's prying eyes?
– Card4Life is SECURE! You have the option of making as much or as little of your information password protected. Any information you protect with a password will NOT be available to someone who picks up your device and plugs it into a computer. However, to help you in case of an emergency your first name and date of birth is available to emergency services staff along with your emergency contacts' first names and telephone numbers. Your social security number and insurance policy numbers are always protected even if you leave the rest of your information unprotected.

Can someone hack into my Card4Life from online?
– No. It is not Internet-based, and there is no need to connect to the internet with Card4Life as your medical information is not stored on a computer server somewhere that a hacker could get into and steal your information.

Can Card4Life be used for pets?
– Why not? Some of the data fields (e.g., marital status) may not apply, but the device can perform the same functions for animal medical records.

Does Card4Life come in any colors besides red?
– Not at this time. Red was chosen because of its universal meaning as a color to signify an alert.