There is a little known life saving secret that many don’t know about. That is the “Vial of Life” program.
The Vial of Life is a program that allows individuals to have their medical information readily available in their home for medical personnel to reference in case of an emergency. This is used to provide medical information when a patient is unable to speak or remember this vital information.
Several individuals are fortunate to live independently. This is a blessing and burden. It is wonderful to have the ability to live independently, but what happens if there’s an emergency and that individual is unable to communicate any medical information necessary for the emergency personnel to properly treat them. Obviously, time is of the essence. The Vial of Life allows the medical information to be readily available for the emergency response team.
The Vial of Life is to be attached to the front of your refrigerator and indicate “VIAL OF LIFE” on it. Usually it is an envelope or baggie which contains documents with vital information for emergency personnel. One can either download a form from the internet, or speak with your doctor and complete a form to keep in your Vial of Life. You can find this information at https://www.vialoflife.com/.
Your medical information is usually placed in an envelope or baggie of some kind and attached to the front of your refrigerator. You must indicate “Vial of Life” on the envelope/baggie. You may purchase a “Vial of Life” sticker to place on the envelope or simply write in large red print “VIAL OF LIFE” on the envelope. It is also suggested to place a “Vial of Life” sticker to be placed at the entrance, but emergency personnel are trained to look on the refrigerator when entering a home, so that may not be necessary.
Some of the most common forms to keep in the vial of life are:
- List of all current medications
- Emergency contact information
- Do Not Resuscitate Order (Original, signed by a physician)
- MOST – Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (Original, signed by physician)
- POLST – Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (Original, signed by physician)
Wait, there’s more. Again, for those living alone, this information may be helpful in an emergency situation.
In the event of an emergency, the emergency personnel will, rightfully so, acquire entrance into the home in anyway possible. Some entrances can be somewhat destructive, but that can be avoided. You can purchase a small, combination type safe to attach outside somewhere close to the main entrance that contains the entry key. Contact your local emergency through non-emergency number and give the information to them. This information will be given to emergency personnel if they are called to your location and you are unable to open the door. This allows them entry into your home without destructive means and can be great time saving and possibly life saving.
A basic Vial of Life form is included for your convenience.
Best Wishes
