The Vial of Life program also known as Vial of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information for Emergencies), is a program that allows individuals to have their complete medical information readily available in their homes for emergency personnel to reference during an emergency. It is a way of speaking to first responders (police, firefighters, EMS personnel) when someone cannot speak for themselves.  The program was named after the prescription bottles that were originally used to store a medical information from inside the patient’s refrigerator.  The prescription bottle would then be rubber-banded to the bottom of the top shelf of the refrigerator door.

What does Vial of Life contain?

Vial of Life is a kit where someone provides a medical information sheet either in a small clear plastic bag or medication bottle, and they may have identification stickers to let emergency personnel know they have one.  Rescuers will see the alert stickers and recognize the presence of a vial of life.  The information provided helps pre-hospital and hospital providers with essential details that will aid in providing appropriate medical treatment.  You may have a separate vial for each member of the household, just make sure to include each person’s name.

What does the medical information sheet contain?

The medical information sheet provides a wealth of information including:

• Patient’s name
• Patient’s address
• Patient’s phone number
• Pets in home
• Description of the patient including identifying marks and what languages they speak
• Lists any hearing difficulties, vision difficulties, and dentures
• Current medical condition
• Past medical condition
• Allergies to medications
• Doctor’s name(s) and phone number(s)
• Last hospitalization
• Special instructions such as health care directives or medical orders (DNR, MOST, POLST which needs to be signed by an approved medical personnel)
• Health Insurance information
• Emergency contact including name, address, phone number and relationship

Where is the Vial of Life stored?

Most people put a decal on their front door or window or attach it to the front of their refrigerator. That is a way of alerting First Responders that you have one. The information is kept either in a plastic bag on the outside of the refrigerator or in a pill bottle inside the refrigerator, generally where the butter dish is stored or on the top shelf of the refrigerator.

Where can I get the kit?

You can order a Vial of Life kit directly through the Vial of Life Company or from Amazon.  Another option is to see if your local senior center, city, or county offers the kit.  Of course, you can make your own kit and ensure you visibly note somewhere around the house that you have a vial of life completed form.  Please make sure to store your medical information sheet either in a clear plastic bag marked “Vial of Life Inside” and attach it to your refrigerator or someplace visible or in a pill bottle again marked “Vial of Life Inside” and place on the top shelf of the refrigerator or top shelf of the refrigerator door.

STAGES is here to educate people about the various resources available.