The Vial of L.I.F.E (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies) is a free program that allows residents with special medical needs to have their complete medical information ready and available to emergency medical personnel. It makes critical information about medical history and current medications accessible when a patient is not able to speak or remember this information.
Emergency medical personnel called to a home where a victim is alone can lose precious minutes trying to gather information about the person’s medications, allergies and illnesses. “Vial of Life” kits can help.
Each Vial of Life kit includes:
- Instructions on the use of the vial and filling out the form.
- An information form detailing medical conditions, current medications, emergency contacts, and doctor contact. (It is important to keep the form up to date.)
- A five-inch plastic vial to store the completed information form, along with a copy of the durable healthcare power of attorney, living will, etc. The vial should be placed on the top shelf inside the refrigerator door. Why there? Because it’s an easy, accessible location for people to put the vial and for emergency medical personnel to access it.
- A Vial of Life magnet also is placed on the outside of the refrigerator. St. Charles Emergency Medical personnel look for this magnet when they respond to a call.
Please call the St. Charles Fire Department at 630.377.4457 to get a free Vial of Life for yourself, a friend or loved one.
