GUILDERLAND, N.Y. — Western Turnpike Rescue Squad (WTRS), a volunteer-based New York State certified ambulance service, will begin working with Capital Region seniors to promote use of the ‘File of Life’ card, an easy-to-access document with a patient’s medical history to assist in health-related emergencies. Starting on Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 10 a.m., at the Omni Senior Living Community of Guilderland, personnel from WTRS will be visiting senior communities in order to distribute and help fill out these File of Life pockets to their neighbors.
The File of Life card enables EMTs to obtain a quick medical history when a patient is unable to offer one. The card virtually eliminates the risk of a patient, in a frightened state, forgetting to mention something important to the trained EMTs of Western Turnpike Rescue Squad.
The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled File of Life, lists the patient name, emergency medical contact, insurance policy, social security number, health problems, medications, dosages, allergies, recent surgery, religion and a health care proxy. The entire pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator.
“As we arrive on scene of a medical emergency involving a senior, the patient could be scared, confused, or even unconscious and our EMTs have little information to go on,” said Howard E. Huth III, Chief of Operations at WTRS. “Does he have any existing conditions? Is he taking any medications? Does he have allergies?
“This frightening scenario is all too common for senior citizens and the EMTs who treat them. That’s why the File of Life, a mini medical history posted on the outside of one’s refrigerator, is being promoted by the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad,” said Huth.
The File of Life idea originated in Bridgeport, CT, in slightly different form as the Vial of Life, which was kept inside the refrigerator. However, some issues have been noted in relation to use of the vial. The small piece of paper inside the vial, which contained the medical information, absorbed the moisture so the information became unreadable. The vial was also frequently lost among other items in the refrigerator.
Western Turnpike is a volunteer-based, 67 year old, New York State certified ambulance service that provides 24-hour emergency medical service to the residents of the Town of Guilderland and of the North Bethlehem Fire District.