File of Life

An ambulance soars past traffic, sirens screaming and light flashing, the medical technicians race toward the home of a sick or injured person. When they arrive, the patient is unconscious and they have little to go on. Does the patient have any existing conditions? Is the patient taking any medication? Does the patient have allergies?

This frightening scenario is all too common for senior citizens and the EMTs who treat them. That's why the FILE OF LIFE, a mini medical history posted on the outside of one's refrigerator, was developed and is being promoted by local Councils on Aging and TRIAD (Lawmen and Seniors Working Together).

The FILE OF LIFE card enables medics to obtain a quick medical history when a patient is unable to offer one. "The card eliminates the risk of a patient, in a frightened state, forgetting to mention something important," said M. G. Ishler, Director of the Sought Hadley, Mass, Council on Aging. The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, lists the patient name, emergency medical contact, insurance policy, health problems, medications, allergies, recent surgeries, religion and a health care proxy and provides the location of Living Wills. The entire pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator, and a FILE OF LIFE sticker is placed on the front door to notify the fire department, EMTs and law enforcement that there will be a FILE OF LIFE on the refrigerator.