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‘Vial’ program could save lives, Canadian paramedics say

By Frank Matys
The Mirror
Copyright 2008 Metroland Media Group Ltd.

ONTARIO, Canada — A capped plastic tube crammed with vital medical information is proving a boon to medics called to assist in life-and-death situations.

“It is really making a difference,” Orillia-area paramedic Janel Perron said of the still-emerging Vial of Life program.

In about 10 per cent of the calls to which paramedics respond, patients are unable to communicate for whatever reason – be it a stroke, a heart attack or other serious condition.

Full Story: Patients unable to speak in 10 percent of calls, paramedics say