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Understanding the wallet card

For healthcare providers and first responders

If a patient presents with a bloodless.org wallet card or QR code, here's what you're looking at and what to do.

What's on the card

1Patient name and DOB — verify identity
2REFUSES / ACCEPTS summary — the critical decisions at a glance
3Healthcare Agent contact — call immediately in an emergency
4QR code — scan for the full Directive with per-product detail
5Passcode note — if present, a passcode is needed to view encrypted agent info

What to do

  1. Note the REFUSES line — these are absolute, legally binding refusals
  2. Call the Healthcare Agent listed on the card
  3. Scan the QR code or visit the URL for full Directive details
  4. If passcode-protected, ask the agent for the code
  5. Review the full Directive for per-product detail and special instructions

The foldable pocket card

Some patients carry a foldable paper pocket card instead of (or alongside) the mini card. Unlike the mini card — which points to the Directive on file — the foldable card is a signed condensed Directive: unfold it to find the operative instructions, the patient’s signature, and two witness signatures. Its cover also carries a QR code to the full living Directive.

What this is NOT

Not a DNR.

The patient wants treatment — just without certain blood products. Treat aggressively using bloodless techniques.

Not negotiable.

These are legally binding advance Directive decisions. They carry the same legal weight as any other advance Directive.

Not incomplete.

"Personal Decision" means the patient defers to their Healthcare Agent for that specific item. Contact the agent.

Key terminology

  • "Refuses all allogeneic blood" = no donor blood products of any kind
  • "Accepts autologous procedures" = the patient's own blood can be reprocessed and returned (cell salvage, hemodilution)
  • "Personal Decision" = the patient defers to their Healthcare Agent for this item
  • "Blood fractions" = albumin, immunoglobulins, clotting factors — smaller derivatives of primary components

See the First Responder Guide or Provider Guide for more context.