Not Just for Seniors

I wanted to share what I consider an excellent precaution that everyone should take when traveling or camping in their RV and have a medical condition or take medications.  While this project is designed for Seniors, it would be beneficial for any family member.  When traveling, anything can happen, so you should take precautions and be prepared.  This project was brought to my attention by the Safety Committee in Retama Village (an adult living community for RVers down in the Rio Grande Valley) after one of the residents experienced medical issues that required calling 911.  The Committee recommended it as a standard for all residents and their RVs.

The specific item I’m referring to is called the Vial of Life Project (sponsored by Senior Safety.com).  The goal of the project is to ensure all Seniors have the Vial of Life kits in their homes.  It also makes sense, though, to have them in your RV (for some of us the RV and home are the same) and even your car.

The way the system works is that you receive a kit, which contains 2 stickers and a medical information form for each person.  The form contains basic medical information that covers everything from hearing and vision to medical conditions and medications to doctor and insurance information. 

Vial of Life Medical Information

Once you receive the kit, you fill out the form for each person, and you put the completed form into a zip-lock bag.  You place one sticker on the bag and then tape it to your refrigerator door (remember not to cover it with all those magnets or artwork from the kids).

You then place the other sticker at eye level at your front door.  This notifies any rescue workers that might enter your RV that there is medical information available on the refrigerator.  For the car, you might put one sticker on the windshield and the other on the glove compartment with the medical information.

Sticker for Door

This is a simple effort that may seem like a waste of time.  And, nobody wants an ugly zip-lock bag with a red sticker on their refrigerator.  However, in an emergency situation, ensuring that the responders have as much information as possible can help save your life.  A secondary benefit is that this information can help reduce unnecessary medical tests at the hospital (which could be expensive, delay your treatment, and is stressful on the body).

Please contact the Vial of Life Project if you are interested in taking advantage of this easy way to be prepared for an emergency.