The Oxford and Orion fire departments were presented with 500 Vials of Life (250 for each community) by the Oxford Kiwanis Club at their regular meeting Tuesday.
The Vial of Life is a small plastic container which contains printed vital medical information, and assists medical personnel in case of an emergency.
Information on the form can include any medications, where it’s located, Do Not Resuscitate forms, who to contact in case of an emergency and even a photograph.
Kiwanis member Carol Mitchell said each vial comes with a sticker and a magnet, which are to be placed on or near ones front door and on the refrigerator.
When medical personnel see the magnet they know to look for the vial inside of the refrigerator.
Mike Martin, a fire inspector for Lake Orion, said the department’s always running into residents who can’t remember where they left their medicine.
‘This sheet will help us out a lot,? he said.
Oxford Fire Chief Jack LeRoy said Oxford already has about 300 vials distributed at places like Independence Village at Waterstone and Hope Senior Apartments. ‘We’ve found it’s a very beneficial program,? he said.
Mitchell said although the vials were originally meant for senior citizens, it can be used for those of any age. ‘To us, this is the seed, this is the start,? she said.
Using funds collected from donations and fund-raisers, Oxford Kiwanis purchased a total of 1,000 vials for about $1,044.
For more information on the Vial of Life, visit www.vialoflife.com.