"Vial of Life" it's free and it can save your life!

For those of you who may not know that this program exists - let me sum it up for you!

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are trained to look for a "vial", that looks like a prescription bottle, or a bag with a decal. This vial is placed in the top shelf of your refrigerator door in your home and often in the glove compartment of your vehical.

Follow this link for Gloucester County, NJ "Vial of Life" instruction sheet and form to include in you vial.

You can also order the decals for free from this website. Each kit contains two decals, simply fill out this form and they will send them to you.

Why is this important? If you or a loved one had any medical condition, the information provided in this vial will enable and emergency technicians to administer the proper care, in a split second they will have access to all of your pertinent helath information.

Why is it in the refrigerator? I have yet to see a home that didn't have a refrigerator, it is a common household item made of metal - therefor it is fire retardent.

How much does it cost? It costs you nothing, it's free!

How does it work? Originated in California, this website gives you a step process of how it works, please visit "Vial of Life" for more information. But here is the basic idea:

1. Fill out the "Vial of Life" form with all of your pertinent health information, Dr. names and numbers, the medication you are takingm and any health conditions. Nearest relaltive, emergency contact numbers etc.
2. Place the decal on the front of a plastic baggie or old pill bottle, also insert any documentation that may be helpful, EKG, living will etc.
3. Gloucester County EMS are trained to look for the vial in your refrigerator, on the top shelf of the door.
4. Place the additional decal on the door of your home so that EMS will know to look for it.

I think it is also a good idea to contact your local Fire Department, Police and EMS to advise them of the medical conditions that you may have.

For more information about the "Vial of Life" program in Gloucester County please visit their website at www.gloucestercountynj.org or call Gloucester County EMS at (856) 307-7120.

New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute - has a form to fill out on their website, follow this link.