Carers can now be more reassured that help is close by in an emergency with the introduction of a special card that tells others someone in need is home alone.

The carers' emergency card is held by the carer so emergency services can be alerted to someone in case of an accident.

June Marshall, from Exeter Carers' Focus, said that carers often knew which neighbours or family could step in, but in an emergency there were few ways to let them know they were needed. The same problem occurred if children needed to be picked up from school and looked after.

Miss Marshall also said that carers registered contact details of family, friends or agencies who knew what care was needed. The information was held securely and never passed on. Then if something happened to the carer the emergency services would find the card, contact the scheme and phone the first person on the list.

She added: ‘And if they're not available, the next person, until someone picks up the baton. If it's appropriate, they'll also phone the cared for person so, if possible, there will be friendly faces around during the emergency.’

John Crowter-Jones, a carer who looks after his his wife with Alzheimer's disease, said: ‘I feel that if anything happens, like if I have a heart attack, somebody will be with Peggy in a very short time. The card is very useful.’