This  little bottle can save a senior’s life.  In today’s issue of The Kirkland Reporter, there is an article about The Vial of L.I.F.E. project.

This little vial is so important for people to know about, I am printing the entire article on this blog.

Have you ever had to have an ambulance called for you?  Were you able to tell the EMT about important medications or were you unconscious?  Do you know someone else who went through this? Not having important medical information at hand can be risky and even life threatening, especially if you can’t respond.

One of the projects of The Kirkland Senior Council has been to find ways to help independent seniors during an individual emergency or disaster. The Senior Council has joined forces with The Medic One Foundation and Bartell Drugs to promote The Vial of L.I.F.E  project.

What is the Vial of L.I.F.E?  It’s a plastic vial (a large pill bottle) which contains a sheet which you or a family member complete with your medical information, medications, allergies, and emergency contact numbers.   DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) forms and Power of Attorney (POA) forms for health care can also be stored in the vial.

Here’s how it works:  A red Vial of Life sticker goes on your front door so first responders know you are part of the Vial of L.I.F.E program. The Vial, with the completed medical information, is placed on the top shelf on the inside of your refrigerator door. A red magnet is posted on your refrigerator so emergency personnel have quick and easy access to your important medical needs.  This simple tool can save your life!

What if your medical information changes?  A new medical information sheet can be downloaded from the Medic One Foundation website, www.mediconefoundation.org.

Where can you find a vial?  A limited number of vials will be available for free at the Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Way (behind the Kirkland Performance Center),  through Evergreen Home Health Care, and Hopelink. Each fire department in Kirkland will have a supply on hand. Kirkland Fire Stations are located at:

Sta. 21 – 9816 Forbes Creek Dr.

Sta. 22 – 6602 108^th Ave NE

Sta. 25 – 12033 76^th PL NE

Sta. 26 – 9930 124^th Ave NE

Sta. 27 – 11210 NE 132^nd St

 Bartells Drugstores have Vials of L.I.F.E available for a nominal charge of $1.00.