Emergency medical situations are fraught with many time-critical decisions, so having a mini-medical history about the patient available in a handy packet for emergency medical technicians to review is a timely and often lifesaving resource.
Local emergency medical staff and Pima Council on Aging experts got together to discuss how to develop and make available a single emergency medical information form, in a special red packet, that would help at-risk people, including frail elderly and disabled adults.
PCOA, in cooperation with the Southeast Arizona Emergency Medical Services Council and BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, have produced a pocket-sized packet with a new emergency medical information form to be filled out by the person or his/her caregiver to document accurate health information to be used by emergency medical personnel in a health emergency.
The File of Life packet is a community service initiative organized by PCOA in cooperation with SAEMS and produced with a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. There is no cost, but it is limited to one packet per person.
The emergency medical information packet includes the approved form and a red plastic holder labeled File of Life, with a magnetic backing so the packet may be attached to the refrigerator door.
Pick up a packet at the office of Pima Council on Aging, 8467 E. Broadway, during weekday business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local senior centers and case management agencies also will distribute the packets.
Today’s information is provided by Adina Wingate, PCOA’s public relations director. Visit online at pcoa.org