City Of Las Vegas: Vial Of Life

Press release from the City of Las Vegas:

Feb 17, 2022

When it comes to a medical emergency, every second counts. Any obstacle that can be removed between the paramedics arriving on scene and getting the patient assessed and to the hospital saves time and lives. That is the idea behind a new tool called Vial of Life that helps give first responders the 411 when the patient can’t.

The Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department is partnering with the Vial of Life Project to help citizens provide the 411 to first responders. The program provides free informational kits to residents to make it easier for emergency responders to gather important information about a person during a medical emergency when the patient is unable to communicate.

The kit allows for a person’s and a family’s medical information to be gathered together in one place so that in the event of an emergency, first responders can quickly access the information to ensure they are aware of a patient’s medical conditions and needs.

The kit includes a form to fill out, with instructions to add medical history, medications taken, insurance information and any other pertinent information, such as do not resuscitate or medical power of attorney orders. The kit is then placed on the refrigerator with a magnet. The kit also includes two stickers, one for the front door or front window to alert responders that there is a kit on the refrigerator, and the second goes on the kit itself.

“Vial of Life is a kit that includes all your important information in one place so when emergency responders come to your house or arrive at an accident and you can’t say anything, the information they need before they can get you to the hospital is easy to find,” said Melanie Dennon, a community outreach coordinator with the Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Department’s Fire Prevention Division.

Dennon says when emergency workers have to go through medicine cabinets to try to determine what medicines you are taking, or have to dig through a handbag searching for insurance cards and identification, it is wasted time they could be spending on starting treatment and getting you in the ambulance.

The kit is simple. It includes a form you fill out with your medical history, medicines you take, emergency contact information and any other physical or mental challenges you may have. You make copies of your I.D. and insurance card. You may also want to gather copies of any legal papers that could have bearing on your treatment such as do not resuscitate or power of attorney orders. Then Dennon says to put it all in the little plastic baggie provided. Lastly, grab the red stickers that come with the kit.

“Put it on your fridge and the sticker on the front door or window next to your door and it alerts emergency responders that all the information is in one spot they can go grab it and get you off to the hospital,” Dennon said. “It saves minutes and it speaks for you when you can’t speak for yourself.”

We spoke with some residents at Lieburn Senior Center where Dennon recently conducted a program which included a demonstration on how to put the Vial of Life kits together. Judy England is a regular at the center. She wasted no time filling out her form which she called a potential life saver.

“I have nobody in town,” England said. “I have my Red Hat sisters but they’re not going to be there if I happen to go down at 2 o’clock in the morning. So having that information there is necessary when these people come to help me. It’s fantastic.”

Dennon wants our citizens have whatever they need to help first responders help them through a crisis. She says her outreach and public education about this important tool will continue. “When it comes to heart attacks, stroke or cardiac arrest, minutes matter,” Dennon said. “I want every home in the city of Las Vegas to have a Vial of Life sticker.”

Those interested in a free kit can get one by visiting https://cityoflasvegas.link/VialOfLifeKits of in Spanish here.

The kit reduces the chance of delay in getting the patient the critical care they need in an emergency. If responders have to search through drawers, purses or wallets to locate identification, insurance cards or medication, it is time that the patient does not get back.

Vial of Life is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; more information is available at www.vialoflife.com.

This press release was produced by the City of Las Vegas. The views expressed here are the author’s own.