If the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department visited you or someone close to you in an emergency situation, you may remember that while you were being treated one of the first responders was asking a lot of questions regarding medical history.
We need this information to help you, whether during an in-home medical emergency or at the scene of a vehicle accident.
That’s where the Vial of Life and Yellow DOT programs come into play.
Both are national programs that help first responders help you.
Vial of Life consists of a sticker that can be placed on or near your front door indicating to first responders that all of your medical information is in a plastic bag, with another Vial of Life sticker, attached to your refrigerator.
The contents of the bag include your medical history, names of your doctors, hospital preference, notification information for family and friends, your medication list, do not resuscitate orders and any other information you wish to add.
The Yellow DOT program is essentially the same. A sticker is placed on the left lower corner of your vehicle’s rear window that alerts first responders, including law enforcement, that a plastic bag containing your medical information is in the glove box.
Remember, there may be times when you cannot answer questions or have someone with you that can provide the necessary medical history.
The Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department will have these stickers and document packets available at our open house on May 6. Stop by, pick up the packets and help us to help you.
While you are at the open house, take the time to get to know your first responders. They care about you, and I am sure they enjoy hearing that you care about them.
We in the Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department hope you have a great spring.
Be safe and try to not to overdue the yard work. Pace yourself. We prefer visiting you under non-emergency circumstances.
