Care Giver in Mound, Minnesota Concerned About Lack of Emergency Contact Information for Neighbor
Recently, I had a conversation with one of our care givers who was very sad about the death of an elderly neighbor. Besides the loss of this dear old man she was upset that there were no emergency contact numbers readily avialable for the firemen, police and ambulance EMTs who came to help. Her suggestion is that all of us make sure that we have information like this available.
There is a program called the Vial of Life. The Vial of Life consists of an emergency medical form and a magnet. Those who participate in the program fill out the form and put it inside of the refrigerator. The magnet is put on the front of the refrigerator. Paramedica/firefighters look for the magnet when they arrive at the scene of a medical emergencey. The program has proved valuable in cases where the victim of a medical emergency is alone and unable to provide the medics and hospital staff with such things as health history and emergency contact telephone numbers.
For those who live in the Edina, Minnesota area, Vial of Life information is available at the Edina Fire Prevention Bureau at 952-826-0330; otherwise contact your local Fire Department. If the Vial of Life Program is not readily available in your area, write emergency information (medical conditions, medications, hospital preference, primary physician, emergency contacts) on a piece of paper and place it on the outside of your refrigerator with a magnet. Be sure to update the information as needed.
Care givers for Seniors’ Choice at Home all received this information for their clients and families and for themselves in our November employee monthly newsletter.
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