Information
about File of Life
• Overview
• What is the File of Life?
• Why get a File of Life?
• What is the benefit of a File of Life
• How do I get a File of Life?
• Where can I learn more about File of Life
Overview
The File of Life program helps members of the EMS, Police and Fire Departments
provide services at times when you or a family member may not be able to communicate
effectively due to medical reasons or personal injury.
Residents with severe medical problems, seniors, and other interested citizens
are provided a FREE File of Life packet. The packet consists of a program
door decal, a File of Life Information Card and a vinyl cardholder for placement
on your refrigerator door.
The File of Life information card has areas to record personal information
concerning medical conditions, drug allergies, emergency contact numbers for
friends and family members, doctors information, prescription information
and any special circumstances Rescue personnel should know.
In an emergency, rescue workers responding to your home will look for the
File of Life card on your refrigerator door. Your File of Life information
will help guide on-scene treatment, notification of your doctor and your family
members. Immediate access to this information greatly helps rescue personnel
provide the best in quality care
What is the File of Life?
The FILE OF LIFE idea was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut a few years ago in a slightly different form as the Vial of Life, which was to be kept inside the refrigerator. But the small vial, with a piece of paper containing medical information inside of it, kept getting lost. In addition, when moisture accumulated in the vial, the information became unreadable. "The emergency personnel don't have time to clean out the refrigerator to find the vial," said Ishler, who helped organize the program.In addition to the FILE OF LIFE for the refrigerator, a compact version is also available for a person to carry in a wallet or purse. A card containing the same medical information is enclosed in the plastic case that is with the person at all times.
This personal wallet size version is an invaluable resource to emergency medical teams responding to critical, life-threatening situations. Having instant access to medical facts and data can make the difference when every second counts.
Why get a File of Life?
In Massachusetts, The Hampshire/Franklin County TRIAD Coordinator, David Lloyd believes "The FILE OF LIFE provides a substantial preventive step that seniors can take. Its visibility and readability ensure that emergency personnel can access it quickly when responding to a call. Police officers and EMTs have assured us that the information contained int the FILE OF LIFE would not only be helpful, but potentially life-saving. Listing the person(s) to contact when an emergency occurs is of particular value to officers."
Imagine this scenario. An elderly woman has fallen and can't get up, but she manages to push her emergency alert button before passing out. What happens to the woman once the EMTs arrive if they cannot quickly figure out what her medical history is?
If the EMTs cannot determine how to best treat her, the emergency button may not have helped much. Suppose, however, the medics had immediate access to her medical history - a FILE OF LIFE right there on her refrigerator door. This program is available today.
Across the nation, advocates and organizations for the elderly, teaming up with police, fire officials, emergency rescue units, life and health insurance businesses and local government personnel are supporting this simple idea in kits already distributed to dozens of communities.
Since February 1995, over 175 communities in Massachusetts have started adopting the program. In addition, implementation of the FILE OF LIFE concept has commenced in 39 other states. The FILE OF LIFE is rapidly expanding and is now available throughout the entire country.
The FILE OF LIFE's Board of Directors is well aware of what is necessary to help the elderly in emergency situations. They consist of a Chief of Police, Attorney, Sheriff, District Attorney, Triad Coordinator, Council on Aging Director, Fire Chief, EMT Chief, State Senator, Certified Public Accountant, Life Insurance Actuary, Business Professional and Doctor.
Benefits
of a File of Life
Benefits to police officers:
• Faster help for citizens in emergencies.
• Maximum use of officers' time.
Benefits to emergency rescue teams:
• Instantly know medical history of patient.
• Corrective treatment can begin at once.
Benefits to hospital emergency staff:
• On arrival, data is immediately available to medical staff.
• No wasted time getting information from a confused patient
Benefits to each individual
• Peace of mind knowing they will have prompt and quality care.
• Easy access to potentially life-saving information.
• Assurance that proper persons will be notified quickly.
• Renewed sense of community spirit.
You can pick up a File fo Life at several locations in Belchertown:
- Belchertown EMS Station located at 9 East Walnut Street, tel: (413) 323-0454
- Police Station at 70 State St (route 202) at the William Gerald Whitlock Municipal Complex
- Senior Center located off Route 202 at the William Gerald Whitlock Municipal Complex, tel: (413) 323-0420
Where can i find more information
You can visit the File of Life web site at www.folife.org or call the EMS station at (413) 323-0454.
