“The VIAL of L.I.F.E. is a nationally recognized program that assists emergency medical workers when responding to and treating individuals during home medical emergencies,” said Schipske, who is a registered nurse practitioner and a former emergency medical technician. “It’s free, it’s simple, and it works.”
The VIAL of L.I.F.E. program will enable Long Beach firefighters and paramedics to have quick access to medical information as they administer critical help to an injured or sick person during a 9-1-1 call. A sticker on the resident’s front door and a magnet on the front of the refrigerator alerts first responders to look inside the refrigerator for medical information. This information is stored inside a large prescription bottle that is placed on the top shelf of a patient’s refrigerator door. In addition to a completed medical form describing a resident’s personal medical history and medications, the vial can contain other essential information such as copy of identification. Schipske points out that the refrigerator is used because it is centrally located and common in all homes.
“In an emergency, every second counts,” Schipske said. “Putting this important information in the hands of the paramedics when they respond to an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.”
The VIAL of L.I.F.E. was introduced during the Senior Safety Fair at the St. Mary Medical Center on May 31. “St. Mary Medical Center decided to help launch VIAL of L.I.F.E. with me after their CEO, Tom Salerno, went on a paramedic ride-along and saw first-hand the need for such a program,” Schipske said. “St. Mary Medical Center is adding the Vial of L.I.F.E. initiative to their Emergency Preparedness program for senior residents in Long Beach. I am excited to have St. Mary Medical Center team up with us on this important program.” Schipske notes that the medical information form used for VIAL of L.I.F.E. was reviewed by the St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room Director, Dr. Stephen Shea.
Schipske adds that several other organizations are stepping forward to help launch VIAL of L.I.F.E. for Long Beach, including: Walmart, which has provided 1,000 large pill vials (bottles); the Long Beach Firefighters Association Local 372, which is paying for a portion of the costs of printing labels and magnets; and Seaside Printing, which is providing printing services.
VIAL of L.I.F.E. kits include: a large pill vial, instruction sheet, medical information sheet, refrigerator magnet and a sticker to be placed on front doors.
VIAL of L.I.F.E. kits are available at St. Mary Medical Center Senior Services, 1055 Linden Ave., and the 5th Council District Neighborhood office, 2760 N. Studebaker Rd.
For more information, visit lbvialoflife.com or contact Schipske’s office at district5@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6932.
Source: 5th district council office
