Seniors' Safety - Vial of Life can save your life

If you could fill out a paper that had the potential to help save your life -- would you? Hopefully your answer is yes and hopefully you already have. If you’re wondering what kind of paper this would be, many of you already know, it’s in your fridge in your Vial of Life.

The Vial of Life program is designed to help you in a medical emergency. It gives Paramedics and other emergency response personnel vital information so that they may be able to assist you as soon as possible. With this information, paramedics will be able to begin medical treatment immediately. When every second can count, make them life SAVING seconds.

So, how does this program work? Each medical vial contains a form that the participant completes. The completed form lists your name, address, phone number, date of birth, next of kin and their contact information, Doctor, and health card information. The form also lists the medications you take (including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products), the proper dosages, your health conditions, and any allergies you have to medications or food. Once the form is completed it is placed back in the vial and the vial is then placed inside the fridge on the door.

The vial goes in the fridge, not because it needs to be refrigerated, but because refrigerators are easy to locate. On the outside of your fridge you will then place a Vial of Life sticker that also matches the sticker on the vial itself. If an emergency responder is called to your home, even if they have never been there before, they will very quickly be able to see the Vial of Life sticker on your fridge. This will alert them to the health information stored in the vial inside.

The program pamphlet reminds everyone that medical emergencies do happen and can happen to anyone, at any time. The Vial of Life is recognized and effective. Just knowing that you do not take medications or have any chronic medical conditions, may be important to paramedics. This information eliminates a number of possible treatments and may result in valuable life saving time.

The Vial of Life program has been streamlined across the province. So no matter where you live in Nova Scotia, the form and the stickers are the same everywhere. Anyone of any age can participate in this program. The vials, stickers, and forms are provided to Annapolis County participants free of charge thanks to the support from the Bridgetown Pharmasave and the Bridgetown Branch of the Royal Bank.

If you do not yet have a vial and would like one, all you have to do is call. Vials are delivered free of charge to the homes of seniors in our county. Assistance in completing the form is also provided. So, it couldn’t be easier. Just call and I’d be happy to bring one to you.

Also, a reminder to those who already have their vials -- don’t forget to keep them updated. And remember, if you would like any assistance, a new form or sticker, just give me a call.

For more information, or to order a Vial, please contact Sharon Elliott at 665- 4481. Or, by email at sharon.elliott@rcmp-grc.gc.ca