#Red dog tags military meaning plus

So, you have all the information of the regular tags, plus the red one with extra medical info that medics may need to know. These tags are then worn alongside the traditional silver ones. We've already mentioned allergies a few times, as these are the most common conditions people have red dog tags for. So, what does a medical warning dog tag display, and how is it worn?Įffectively, it will display any medical conditions that require extra attention or deserve to be noted down. The actual information and layout of a US army dog tag have evolved over the years, but this is how they are currently set up.

Tetanus Immunization, Tetanus Toxoid, Blood Type.

You will still wear the normal silver dog tags as they provide the essential information displayed below: To put this another way how does someone wear red dog tags? Contrary to what you might believe, these tags do not replace the regular ones that are issued to every recruit. In the event the member has a medical condition that requires special attention, an additional red tag with the pertinent information is issued and worn with the Dog Tags.

#Red dog tags military meaning full

Time is precious in these situations, and the difference between a few seconds and minutes can be the difference between someone making a full recovery and experiencing medical complications.ĭo red medical warning dog tags replace regular dog tags? What does a red dog tag mean A Dog Tag is the informal name for the identification tags worn by military personnel, because of their resemblance to actual dog tags. It is much faster than looking at a soldier's dog tags, finding their name and service number, then looking up their medical records. It is simply the easiest and quickest way of obtaining vital medical information when someone is unable to provide the information themselves. The medics can see it on the dog tag and provide the right treatment based on the information they have. The same goes for any other medical condition a soldier might have. Without a red dog tag, the medic might give the fallen soldier something they're allergic to, which could cause a reaction that sadly kills them. It prevents instances where lives could sadly be lost due to a lack of information. In this case, the medics can see this on their tag and look for an alternative medication - if required. The red medical warning dog tag is instantly spotted by the medics, and they can read the information on it, understanding what medical conditions the person may have.įor instance, someone might have an allergy to particular pain medication, like ibuprofen. This means they're unable to provide the doctors and medical team with critical information that might impact the treatment they're about to receive. In many scenarios, military personnel that has been injured may be incapacitated. They are essential when soldiers have been injured in battle and need to be treated by the medical team. In essence, red dog tags are used in the same manner as regular ones.