In a medical emergency when seconds count, quick and easy access to medical information can make the difference between life and death. When a person with a serious medical issue becomes incapacitated while at home alone, emergency responders need the information to treat her appropriately. Here are life-saving steps you can take in advance to protect yourself or a loved one.
Timely medical information is vital
If a patient becomes unconscious or unable to speak, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) need quick access to a list of his medical conditions and doctors. They also must know about medications and known allergies to avoid administering a drug that endangers the patient. It’s also important to have the name and contact information of both an emergency contact and a backup.
How to help the EMTs
With no obvious sources for this information, precious seconds tick by. EMTs might look for medications in places such as the bathroom cabinets or the refrigerator or search drawers for a medical information card. Vial of Life is a very successful program for quickly providing vital medical information. A free service, Vial of Life provides a form patients can fill in with their important data. The document, along with other important medical papers, can be stored in a plastic bag and taped to the refrigerator. Vial of Life provides special decals for the patient’s refrigerator and front door telling EMTs where to find this medical information.
Emergency responders across the country know about Vial of Life and appreciate its help in providing appropriate, immediate care for patients in life-or-death situations.
Related – A Checklist: Being Prepared for Home Emergencies
