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08/30/2016 02:15 PMYou make a 911 call because of a medical emergency. When the first responders arrive, you’re foggy and can’t communicate. Now how will they know which medications you take, if you have allergies to certain medicines, or have a condition like diabetes? To safely stabilize your condition, this information could be critical.
Now imagine that the responders go to your refrigerator and find posted there everything they need to know. Precious minutes could be saved when seconds count. Helping responders handle medical emergencies as quickly and safely as possible is the goal of the town’s new medical information ID card program.
The idea for the new program came from a Westbrook Senior Center Board member. Visiting an apartment in Florida, the board member noticed an emergency medical card affixed to the refrigerator, thought that was a great idea, and decided to bring it back to Westbrook to help the town’s senior citizens when they face a medical emergency.
As a first step, Senior Center Director Courtney Burks applied to the Westbrook Foundation for support for a new medical ID card program. The foundation agreed to support the idea, giving the town a $10,000 grant to use as seed money.
During the month of August, the Senior Center introduced the program in information sessions at the Westbrook Senior Center and in a broadcast mailing to 2,000 registered voters.
Those who participate in the program will receive one refrigerator magnet, about six inches by four inches in size; a pre-printed medical ID sticker to affix to it; a wallet-sized medical ID card to carry at all times; and a pencil with which to fill in the information on each card. Using a pencil is encouraged since each person’s medications and medical conditions can change over time. If the entries are in pencil, they can be erased and the important information updated easily.
Also included will be a decal or sticker to place in the home’s window to alert first responders to the availability of emergency medical information inside.
“We’re in cohesion with the town’s first responders on this program. The importance of the ID Card information is that first responders can move quickly to respond to an emergency and get people the care they need,” said Burks.
Blank medical information ID cards are available for free in the Westbrook Senior Center. The entry headings on the ID card include medical conditions, allergies, current medications, emergency contacts, medical insurance, medical contacts, and advance directives. Town residents who are 60 years of age or older are eligible to receive the wallet ID cards, refrigerator magnet, and sticker for the magnet.
“We’re going to send out notices [periodically] to remind everyone we’ve contacted to update their ID card information with any new medications, contact information, or diagnoses,” said Burks. “This is an ongoing process. We’re be doing a consistent outreach program to try to get as many residents as possible to fill out the cards.”
For more information about the program or to find out how to get an ID card packet, visit the Westbrook Senior Center during regular business hours or call 860-399-2029.