VIAL OF LIFE
In a continuing effort to enhance the services, the Washington Township Fire District is providing the citizens we protect a new life saving program called the "Vial of Life" In an attempt to maximize our abilities to help you when responding on an emergency medical call, the department has initiated Vial of Life program. Completing the Vial of Life worksheet, could save your life or family member's. For that reason we trust you will actively participate in this program and help us help you.
What is the Vial of Life?
Important medical and patient information is placed on a standardized worksheet, then placed in a vial which stored in your refrigerator. This information will assist responding personal with previous medical history, medications and other related information.
Why should I participate?
As Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 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 unable to talk with the technicians, the technicians can look at the information provided on the sheet and help determine the possible treatment of the patient.
Who will have access to this information?
If you or a family member require emergency medical treatment possible life saving information will be available to responding personal. This includes the Washington Township Police, Fire Department, and emergency squads. The information will then be supplied to the paramedics 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 an emergency the information is only stored by you and in your refrigerator in your residence. It is kept safely there until needed.
What happens when I am away from home?
If you would like to carry a second copy on you while traveling, make a photo copy and place in a wallet or purse. It is important not to take the vial or copy from home with you, we will be happy to provide township residents 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 personal of your participation.
Tell me how this works.
When we are called to your house for a medical emergency. Police, Fire and Rescue Squad members will look on your refrigerator door. Upon seeing the magnet, the members will retrieve the work sheet from the vial in your refrigerator. The information may be used in treatment of you or your family member.
Who should participate?
It is our goal that all family members young and old will fill out individual worksheets and stored together in one vial.
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 form or get a new form. If you need additional forms please contact the fire department.
Download Current Sheet Now:
We have place downloadable worksheets on the Internet you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print these files. Go to this website download the program then come back to get your files:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Click on links below to get your files:
Sample Vial Kit: