July 14, 2005
Valdosta - When these paramedics head out on an emergency call, they never know what to expect. "An individual may be incapacitated to the point where they can't give us information about their medical condition or medical history," said Tim Brogdon, EMS Director.
That information is vital in providing the right medical treatment, and thanks to Valdosta's new Vial of Life program, it won't be hard to find. "It takes a lot of the guess work out of trying to figure out what's wrong with someone who is not communicative due to their illness or their age," said Capt. Ken Gallagher.
The program is free and easy. All you do is write down your medical history and any medications you may be taking, stick it in the vial, and place it in your refrigerator door. "Then on the refrigerator they place this magnet to let us know the vial's in there and on the front door, put this sticker up so we'll know the resident is a Vial of Life participant," said Gallagher.
It's designed for senior citizens and people with serious medical conditions. Emergency responders are confident the program will make a big difference in their ability to do their jobs. "The faster we can identify the problem a person has, the faster we can get the appropriate treatment to them and limit disabilities," said Brogdon.
It's a quick and easy process that could mean the difference between life and death.
Vial kits can be picked up at all Valdosta fire stations, the Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Lowndes County Fire and Rescue, and the Hahira Police and Fire Departments.
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