FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Look at your keyring. If it’s loaded down with a key for every lock you’ve ever used, and garnished with grocery store discount cards and a miniature flashlight containing dead batteries, there is a way to make better use of the space.

Eric Kercher, president of Total IDentification Systems Inc., had an idea six months ago that he developed into LifeStic. The waterproof and shockproof USB flash drive is designed to hold vital medical information that first responders and emergency room physicians can access during times of emergency.

“I thought, what can I do to protect my family and friends?” Kercher said. He had already designed an electronic fingerprint and I.D. system that can be used by parents if their child is lost or kidnapped, and he decided to take it to the next level.

Kercher said, “I was thinking along the lines of what else I can do, and came up with LifeStic. Emergency personnel must have access to (medical information), and all ambulances in Baldwin County have onboard computers. It gives them a snapshot of (a patient’s) medical history.”

LifeStic, which can also hang from an included lanyard, is $45, and is tax deductible as a medical device, he pointed out.

Data is easily entered or edited using a PC. If you don’t have a computer, Kercher said the company will do the initial setup for an additional $25. There is no monthly fee.

Although most physicians and nurses will gladly update a LifeStic as prescriptions and conditions change, a user may come in to the LifeStic office at 76 Plantation Pointe Shopping Center (next to Subway) in Fairhope during regular business hours and use one of two computers in the lobby at no charge in order to handle their own updates as needed.

LifeStic requires a computer that is equipped to read PDF documents, and use Java script, which most do. Free downloads of both are readily available online, however.

With those in place, LifeStic uses its own embedded software to pull up pre-entered medical history, current prescription medications, allergies, emergency contact phone numbers of friends or relatives, immunizations, phone numbers of doctors or specialists, your preferred hospital and insurance information. There is also space to list whether a living will is available, and who has medical power of attorney.

“It’s important that they keep it current,” Kercher said. “They can also upload a photo. (Medical professionals) like to see a photo because it lets them know they’re dealing with the right person.”

President Obama is currently looking at ways to completely digitize medical records, but it will be costly and is likely several years away from fruition. Kercher said, “This is a nice little stopgap measure to provide information to the medical providers.” He noted it can be the first step in ensuring an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment in an emergency, especially if you are unable to speak for yourself.

The device carries the I.C.E. designation (in case of emergency) that has become universally recognizable as a source of contact information for those who have fallen ill, or have suffered an injury. But, LifeStic also carries blood type and information about chronic conditions, two vital clues in the treatment of those who are unconscious or disoriented. The data can be printed for quick reference.

There is no data field on the device to record a person’s physical address, nor their Social Security number. Those areas were omitted to protect against identity theft if the LifeStic is lost.

“We have a lot of elderly people come in,” Kercher said. “We’ve had a lot of people buy this for their parents or grandparents as a Christmas gift.” Other clients so far, have been parents of children with serious illnesses, he added.

What about the family dog, cat or horse? Kercher’s company also markets a similar device called PetStic. Unlike its counterpart though, this is not necessarily designed to be worn. It comes with a lanyard, but is primarily designed to assist in finding animals that are lost or missing.

Pet owners can upload photos of up to 50 animals, along with physical descriptions, special dietary needs, medications, allergies, whether they are microchipped etc.

The information can be e-mailed to veterinary offices, animal shelters, friends and family. PetStic will also generate a poster that can be placed in high visibility areas.

For more information about LifeStic (or PetStic), call Kercher at (251) 990-3500.