Vial of Life
Sponsored by Normal Firefighters IAFF Local 2442
The “Vial of Life” program is nationally (and internationally) recognized as having saved countless lives each year by providing emergency medical personnel with pertinent medical information during an emergency.
The “Vial of Life” program is a free program designed for seniors and individuals with serious medical conditions to provide pertinent medical information to emergency personnel who respond to and treat home emergencies. The Vial of Life contains much of the medical history needed by the responding emergency personnel, such as existing medical conditions, allergies, medication currently being taken, and emergency contact information. Implemented by Normal Firefighters IAFF Local 2442 for patients and their families to help prepare for an emergency situation.
What is the Vial of Life?
Important medical and patient information is placed on a standardized worksheet, and placed in a vial, which is stored in your refrigerator. This information will assist responding personnel with previous medical history, medications and other related information. The kit consists of an information worksheet, vial and magnet.
- Print your name and date of birth, and medical information on the enclosed worksheet.
- After completing the worksheet, roll or fold the worksheet and insert it into your vial.
- If you don't know the answer to a question on the worksheet, contact your doctor or pharmacist for the correct information or leave the section blank. Don't guess - you could be playing with your life.
- The vial is placed inside the refrigerator on the right-hand corner of the top shelf.
- The magnet is placed on the refrigerator in plain view. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes of your time. If you ever have an emergency, that 15 minutes can save you a lifetime.
Why should I participate?
As emergency medical personnel respond to each emergency, important information must be gathered in order to properly treat the patient. If this information is available immediately upon arrival on the scene, minutes can be saved while treating the patient. When seconds can mean the difference between life and death, the advantages of participation are obvious. Sometimes a patient may be unconscious or unable to talk with medical personnel. In a case such as this, medical personnel can look at the information provided on the worksheet and help determine the possible treatment of the patient.
Who will have access to this information?
If you or a family member requires emergency medical treatment, possible life saving information will be available to responding personnel. This includes the Police, Fire Department, and Ambulance squads. The information will then be supplied to the medical and doctors at the treating hospital. At no time will this information be available to anyone other than personal involved in the treatment of the patient. Prior to the emergency you shall store the information in your refrigerator. It is kept safely there until needed by medical personnel.
What happens when I am away from home?
If you would like to carry a second copy with you while traveling, make a photocopy and place it in your wallet or purse. It is important not to take the vial or copy from home with you. We will be happy to provide residents of McLean County with additional supplies if needed.
Where will this information be stored?
The worksheets will be placed in a vial, which will then be stored on the top shelf of your refrigerator door. This location was chosen because it is centrally located and common to all households.
How will the responding personal know you are participating?
A magnet placed on the exterior of your refrigerator door will notify personnel of your participation.
Tell me how this works.
When you have a medical emergency in your home, police, fire and ambulance personnel will look on your refrigerator door. Upon seeing the magnet, the members will retrieve the worksheet from the vial in your refrigerator. The information may be used in the treatment of you or your family member.
Who should participate?
It is our goal that all McLean County seniors and persons with serious medical problems fill out individual worksheets and store them in a vial.
How do I get more forms?
Additional forms are on the web site here, at any Normal Fire Station, McLean County EMS office, or the McLean County Health Department.
How often should I update the information?
It is important to update and maintain current information. If there is a medication change or any other problems that should be noted, make changes on the worksheet or get a new worksheet. Please note the instructions on the back of the worksheet dealing with any medications you are taking. People's medication(s) change from time to time. If that happens, draw a line through those medications you are no longer taking, and write down any new ones prescribed for you.
Who should fill out or update the information?
You can fill it out or update it, but if you need assistance you can have your physician, nurse or medical personnel assist you or contact the local fire or ambulance service. Someone at your church in the medical profession may also assist you. Review you Vial of Life information and update it after a doctor's appointment or when information changes.
For more information contact: David Polley President, IAFF Local 2442, 309-261-5622