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City of Bethlehem
Vial of Life Program
In a continuing effort to enhance our services,
the City of Bethlehem EMS, through a partnership with the
Bethlehem Health Bureau, is providing to the citizens we serve
a life saving program called “Vial of Life.” In
an attempt to maximize our abilities to help you when responding
to a medical emergency, the City of Bethlehem EMS has initiated
the Vial of Life program. Completing the Vial of Life information
sheet could save your life or a family member’s. For
that reason we trust you will actively participate in this
program and help us help you.
What is the Vial of Life?
Important medical and patient information is placed on a
standardized worksheet then placed in a vial, which is stored
in your refrigerator. This information will assist responding
personnel with previous medical history, medications and other
related information.
Why should I participate?
As an EMT-Paramedic, important information must be gathered
in order to properly treat the patient. If this information
is available immediately upon arrival on the scene, minutes
can be saved while treating the patient. When seconds can
mean the difference between life and death, the advantages
of participation are obvious. Sometimes a patient may be unconscious
and unable to talk with the paramedics; the responders (police,
fire, and EMS) can look at the information provided on the
sheet and help determine the best possible treatment of the
patient.
Who will have access to this information?
If you require emergency medical treatment, life saving information
will be available to responding personnel. This includes the
City of Bethlehem Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Service
(Paramedics). The information will then be supplied to the
nurses and doctors at the treating hospital. At no time will
this information be available to anyone other than personnel
involved in the treatment of the patient. Prior to an emergency,
the information is stored only by you. It is kept safely with
you until needed.
What happens when I am away from home?
If you would like to carry a second copy on you while traveling,
make a photocopy and place in a wallet or purse. It is important
not to take the vial or copy from your home with you. We are
more than happy to provide residents with additional worksheets
if needed.
Where will this information be stored?
The worksheets will be placed in a vial, which will then
be stored on the top shelf of your refrigerator door. This
location was chosen because it is centrally located and common
to all households.
How will responding personnel know you are participating?
A magnet placed on the exterior of your refrigerator door
stating “Vial of Life” will notify personnel of
your participation.
Tell me how this works
When we are called to your home for a medical emergency the
City of Bethlehem Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service
(Paramedics) will look on your refrigerator door. Upon seeing
the magnet, the responders will retrieve the information sheet
from the vial in your refrigerator. The information may be
used in treatment of you or your family members.
Who should participate?
It is our goal that all family members young and old with
a medical history fill out individual worksheets and store
them together in a vial. **Please note that participants must
be a resident of the City of Bethlehem**
How often should I update information?
It is important to update and maintain current information.
If there is a medication change or any other problems that
should be noted make changes on the form or get a new form.
If you need additional forms please contact the Bethlehem
Health Bureau.
Sign Up
The Vial of Life program has already been presented at many
of our city’s senior clubs and centers, senior high
rises, service organization meetings, community block watch
meetings, and local soup kitchens. As of winter 2007 approximately
300 City of Bethlehem residents have signed up to participate
in this life-saving program.
To sign up for the Vial of Life program or to have a health
bureau representative speak to your organization about this
program please contact the Bethlehem Health Bureau (610) 865-7087
and ask to speak with either Fallon Maggio or Mel Lopez
The City of Bethlehem Vial of Life Magnet and Vial
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