Disclosed is a telephone accessible system that stores one or more messages for a subscriber. The subscriber is given a card with their subscriber number and an access code. In one embodiment, a first responder or other user needing to access the recorded messages, finds the card, calls the system and enters the subscriber number and access code to retrieve one or more of the messages. In one embodiment, the messages are digital audio recordings that contain medical information useful to a first responder before treating the subscriber. The messages can only be changed upon submission of a password that is unique to the subscriber. In one embodiment, the first responder can record an alert message that is transmitted to individuals or entities previously designed by a subscriber to receive an alert message.