The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
File for Life a life-saver
Senior citizens are encouraged to join free program
By Rene Cizio, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: January 11, 2007
The Saline Fire Department is working with the local senior center to raise awareness about File of Life and to encourage its use so emergency responders can help residents more effectively.
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If you are injured or suffer from a condition that leaves you unable to communicate, how would rescue personnel be able to diagnose and give proper medical care, know your allergies, which drugs are safe to give you or whom they should contact on your behalf?
In nearly 90 percent of medical emergency calls, respondents don't have any medical information on the patient. Time that is wasted getting medical information from injured or non-responsive patients can make the difference between life and death during an emergency.
These facts are why the File of Life packet is being offered, at no charge, at most senior centers, to anyone in the community.
The File of Life is a mini-medical history that is placed in a bright red, plastic folder and secured, by magnet, to the outside of your refrigerator. The packet includes a weatherproof front-door decal that alerts emergency personnel, upon arrival, that a File of Life is present.
It's recommended that people in the home with a medical condition each have their own File of Life.
"It would work for anybody who has special needs that we should know about. It sticks out like a sore thumb and we always look at the refrigerator –– it's a habit," said Saline Fire Chief Craig Hoeft.
Much like medic alert ID jewelry, the File of Life card allows medics to obtain a quick medical history when the patient is unable to offer one, or in case the patient forgets to mention something important.
Name, age, emergency contacts, health insurance, health problems, medications, dosages, allergies, recent surgeries, blood type, doctor's name and preferred hospital are included in the file.
"At least medics will know if you're a diabetic, have an allergy or whatever the case is," said Pam Molascon, program coordinator at Saline Senior Center.
The File of Life aids police and emergency rescue workers by informing them of important medical information so they can help patients faster, saving valuable time for giving immediate treatment.
"Maybe you've had strokes in the past and you're taking medication for it. File of Life tells us which direction we need to go in for treatment," Hoeft said.
Having the File of Life can give users assurance that they will receive the correct medical care that that the proper people will be notified as soon as possible.
"It's important to have a note of the location of your medications and your contact list available so that we can call while we're there treating you," Hoeft said.
File of Life cards are available, free of charge, at most senior centers or through the fire department.
"If you can't speak for yourself, the File of Life can speak for you," Molascon said.
Rene' Cizio is a freelance writer. She can be reached at .
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