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ID badges for search and rescue organisation

America Search and Rescue (AMERISAR) is a non-profit, volunteer-based foundation whose mission is to assist any United States federal, state, local, public or private agency, organisation or person in time of need.

"Before using the Zebra P310C card printer, our ID cards were made at small Mom and Pop shops," explains Larry Kaplan, AMERISAR national director. "However, this meant that anyone could make or duplicate them. We wanted a more secure card and needed to establish control over ID card issuance. That is when we decided to print them ourselves." The organisation uses plain PVC cards and prints on both the front and back. Besides personal information including name, date of birth, blood type and driver's licence number, America Search and Rescue also prints holograms to prevent counterfeiting, alteration or duplication.

This is done in a 'poor man's' printing process of laminating the cards artistically. The holographic image lamination process also provides a very rich looking card. The front features the individual's photo, name and title, ID number and large AMERISAR logo.

One card is produced for the wallet and another is printed for wearing via clip-on or lanyard. "My Episuite software recommended the Zebra printer," reports Kaplan. "It is connected to a network and, currently, I am the only one using the printer at our San Francisco office. However, if there is an earthquake and I lose power, I can hook the printer up to an AC adapter in my car and issue cards in an emergency."

Kaplan plans to print a variety of cards for his almost 1000 volunteers. There is one for active members as well as honorary members. In the future, he is going to use more of the printer's capabilities by printing different looking ID cards for various fields of expertise, such as police, medical and fire.

The standalone P310C prints sharp, readable bar codes, ID photos, graphics and text, edge-to-edge, in seconds. Its easy-to-load, low maintenance design makes it simple for anyone to operate. Green, yellow and red LED indicators provide easy-to-understand printer status. Printer ribbon synchronisation is automatic, eliminating the need for operator intervention. An easy to change, self-cleaning cartridge thoroughly removes dust before printing, minimising missing dots and colour registration problems.

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