Lifesaver message in a bottle
We’ve all heard about a message in a bottle being washed up on a beach but a new scheme from the Galway Lions Club will see a message in a bottle containing valuable secrets safely ensconced in a fridge.
The scheme is designed to enable vulnerable people or those with a medical condition to keep their personal and medical details on a standard form and in a common location, the humble coolbox.
The small distinctive plastic containers – which are distributed by Lions Clubs, Fire Brigade, gardai, Pharmacies and senior citizen groups – contain a printed form and three labels. The recipient fills in the form with their medical details, allergies, next of kin’s contact details. Any pets in the family can also be included. They put the completed form into the bottle.
The bottle is then placed in the fridge and one of the labels placed on the outside of the fridge door. The other label is placed on the inside of the front entrance door of the home by the lock. One can also be placed on the inside of their back door.
If a person is taken ill while alone in the house and is unable to communicate, the emergency services and first responders on seeing the labels are alerted to go straight to the fridge, saving valuable minutes assessing the patient’s details.
The bottles are free.
As well as the personal information form, the bottle will include a photograph, health details, emergency contact numbers and and contact details for the family doctor.
“The significant benefits of the scheme are that, as a minimum, it will save the emergency services valuable time identifying the patient and their emergency contacts,” explained Galway Lions President Pat Dennigan.
“By stating whether the patient has special medication or allergies, it is a potential lifesaver and provides peace of mind to the user and their friends and families.”
For more on this story see the Galway City Tribune.