File of Life

Garry G., 52, steps out of the shower and reaches for a towel. The floor is wet, his feet slip out from under him, and his head takes a nasty crack. When he fails to respond, his wife calls 911, and within moments EMS is on the scene. Did he slip or have a stroke?  As they strap him onto a stretcher, the crew asks the usual questions. What medications is he taking?  Any allergies?  Social Security Number?  etc.  

His wife is in shock. He keeps some of his meds at the office, she says; he had just started on a new prescription, she says, but isn’t sure of its name; she doesn’t think he’s allergic to anything, she says, but she’s not sure. SSN? she yanks open drawers looking for an old tax return. Critical minutes are lost; EMS can’t administer treatment until they’re confident the intervention won’t do more harm than good.  

The bathroom, the AARP reported a few years back, is the most dangerous room in the house, and this scenario with its many variations is repeated again and again.  It can happen to anyone, of any age, and the File of Life, (for all of its overly pretentious name), is such a simple and effective countermeasure!

Make up a file card of your critical data and post it on your refrigerator. EMS technicians always check the refrigerator’s door first, for DNR notices. List your meds, your allergies, your physician’s phone number -- and your insurance information. Most of all, keep the information up to date! Our Fire Dept. and/or the KKPOA office can give you an initial set of cards, along with a magnetic pocket to hold them, and you can download replacement cards by clicking here.