National Institute of Health (NIH) statistics show that ER visits are steadily rising in the US. In 2000 there were approximately 110 million ER visits which represented a 6% increase from 1999.

Approximately 93% of people treated in the ER have no medical data or history available and the ER does not have a system or means of accessing their records or data in an emergency.

Chronically ill people (Diabetes, Heart Disease, Asthma, Seizures, etc) represent approximately 60% of all ER visits.

Documented medical studies have proven that significant medical errors occur when the ER does not have access to a person's medical data, current medical tests and prescriptions.

Significant ER medical errors include Adverse Drug Interactions (ADI), misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of patients.

All people who take prescriptions and visit the ER are at risk. Studies show that people taking 1-3 prescriptions have a 30% chance of an ER induced ADI and people taking 4-6 prescriptions have a 65% chance of an ADI.

**Studies have shown that access to medical data and prescriptions in the ER eliminates ADI's by 70% and other medical errors by a total of 65%.

Therefore, there is compelling and documented proof that access to a person's medical data, medical history and prescriptions can have a significant positive impact on their treatment during an emergency situation.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) report that total US emergency room visits have been steadily rising at about a 7% annual rate since the mid 1990’s.

ACEP reported in 2001 there where over 110 million visits to US emergency rooms. The main factors influencing the steady rise in ER visits are:

• allergic reactions to prescriptions, foods and inspects
• treatment of diabetics ( a 26% increase in diabetes since 1992)
• lack of medical insurance for primary care