Vital Information Program isn’t a new idea, just new to Quesnel.
Seniors’ advocates Susan MacNeill and Ruth Scoullar were first introduced to the VIP program at a seniors conference in Vancouver where the Burnaby Fire Fighters introduced it.
Recently, through a New Horizons Seniors Community Participation and Leadership Fund, Seniors’ Advocacy Service was able to bring this program to Quesnel.
“The program can supply a Vital Information vial into every postal registered home in Quesnel and surrounding area, up to 11,000 homes in the initial outlay,” MacNeill said.
“The development and ongoing support of this program will enhance the emergency preparedness program in our city.”
The concept is simple. A prescription-like vial, containing vital medical information about the residents (householders fill out their own information), is stored in the door of the fridge. A sticker is affixed to the outside of the appliance, in plain sight of emergency personnel, a neighbour, spouse, even for a child, letting them know this critical information is readily available and can accompany the patient to the hospital.
One vial can accommodate up to six household members and up to four pets.
The vial is kept in the fridge as virtually every household has one, they’re watertight, light resistant and often fireproof and usually centrally located in the home.
“It’s also recommended people have a duplicate vial in their recreation vehicle and vacation home, possibly even in their wallet as medical emergencies don’t all happen at home,” MacNeill said.
“We recommend people update the vial information twice a year.
“It’s really easy to tie that updating to daylight savings time in spring and fall.”
But MacNeill added this program is not for one-time medications such as antibiotics, but rather for chronic conditions and ongoing medications.
SAS volunteers have been busy preparing the vials for distribution around the city.
The campaign rolls out April 16 with vials available at City Hall, downtown fire department, SAS office (last office at the rear of Century 21), Save-On Foods, Aroma Foods, Extra Foods, Wal-Mart and all pharmacies.
“There’s one vial for each household on Quesnel mail delivery system,” MacNeill said.
SAS volunteers are available to answer questions 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, 250-992-9330.