FILE OF LIFE – A Mini Medical History on your RefrigeratorAn ambulance soars past traffic, sirens screaming and light flashing, the medical technician’s race toward the home of a senior citizen.
When they arrive, the senior is unconscious and they have little to go on. Does he have any existing conditions? Is he taking any medication? Does he have allergies?
This frightening scenario is all too common for senior citizens and the EMTs who treat them. That’s why the FILE OF LIFE, a mini medical history posted on the outside of one’s refrigerator, was developed and is being promoted by local Councils on Aging and TRIAD (Lawmen and Seniors Working Together).
The FILE OF LIFE card enables medics to obtain a quick medical history when a patient is unable to offer one. “The card eliminates the risk of a patient, in a frightened state, forgetting to mention something important” said M. G. Ishler, Director of the Sought Hadley, Massachusetts, Council on Aging.
The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, lists the persons name, emergency medical contact, insurance policy, social security number, health problems, medications, dosages, allergies, recent surgery, religion and a health care proxy. The entire pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator.
How to get your own File of Life
Contact Friends of Fairview at fileoflife@friendsoffairvew.org
