Vial of Life

Having ready access to medical and health information can often make a difference in an emergency situation, especially for aging or frail seniors. Having a "vial," or packet of information in a handy pre-designated place that emergency medical services personnel can easily access can be essential in providing more effective emergency care. In the Vial of Life program, a vial with a fact sheet about the participant that identifies medications taken, allergies to medications, contact information for next of kin, and primary care doctor information is kept in the refrigerator, car glove box and with the senior's personal affects. To identify a participant of the program, a star sticker is placed on the front door of the home and on the refrigerator, and another star is placed on the rearview mirror of the car. Vials are given out during senior volunteer recognition events and at the two senior centers in the county.

The goal of this program is to provide emergency responders with crucial medical information about seniors so that they will be better able to assist in the event of an emergency.

Flagler County has had a Vial of Life program in place since 1997 that began with funding from both the Florida Power and Light Consumer Services Department and the local Sheriff's Department. The program is now a function of the Florida Hospital auxiliary group. Flagler County distributed about 350 Vials of Life at a recognition event in April 2003. According to the Project Director for Flagler County RSVP, emergency response providers have indicated that this program is very helpful to them.