A File for Life

One of my daughters sent me an announcement of a program in her community where first responders assist residents in completing a health form.  The EMS, police and firefighters know where to look in the home for medical and health related information—in the refrigerator.  The File for Life is a place to list prescription medications, doctors’ names, allergies and names of people to be notified in the event of a medical emergency.  The form is put in a plastic sleeve and the recipient is instructed to place it in the refrigerator. 

I’ve mentioned this idea in the past.  The titles of the forms can change; the intent doesn’t.  First responders need to know basic health status in order to convey necessary information to the hospital/ physician.  Since most people have a refrigerator, it makes sense to store this vital information there.

 

Back in 2015, a pharmacist in a suburb of Pittsburgh created a Vial for Life.  He came up with a pill bottle that would store the forms with the necessary information.  Working with the EMS department in his community, he distributed these containers and instructed people to keep them in the fridge. 

Even if you don’t have an “official” container or form, jot down your meds, your allergies, the names of your doctors and put the paper in a plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator.  Tell your friends and family to create their own storage system for the fridge.  Or call your local emergency services department and learn what they need to better help you in a critical time.