Emergency info cards coming to help EMTs
JEMS receives grant from Rhode Island Foundation to provide File Of Life kits

The Jamestown Emergency Medical Services recently announced that they have been awarded $2,300 from the Rhode Island Foundation to provide File of Life kits to Jamestown residents.

File of Life is a new program offered by the Jamestown Emergency Medical Services. It is designed to bring a person's important medical information to the attention of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the event of an emergency.

The File of Life is a card that contains vital personal medical information and is kept on the outside of the resident's refrigerator in a bright red magnetic pocket, readily accessible to EMTs when they arrive on an emergency call. The medical card lists the patient's emergency medical contacts, health problems, medications taken, allergies, recent surgeries and more. A door decal is placed on the outside door to alert arriving EMTs. An additional purse or wallet compact version is also available.

File of Life is beneficial for emergency rescue teams, who will instantly know medical history of the patient, hospital emergency staff, because on arrival medical data is immediately available, and the patient, providing peace of mind knowing they will have prompt and quality care.

"We are delighted that the Rhode Island Foundation has chosen to support this project," said Tom Rezendes, acting administrator for the JEMS. "For our part, we plan a vigorous campaign of activities in order to get the kits into the community including providing trained JEMS personnel to assist people with filling in their information. It is important that people understand how to fill them out properly and that they keep them updated."

The JEMS plan to be available at the following places to distribute File of Life, dates and times to be announced: Pemberton Apartments common room, Jamestown Village common room, the Jamestown Senior Center Meal Site, the Jamestown Library and Baker's Pharmacy. Interested members of the Jamestown community will also be able to call the JEMS headquarters at 423-7276 for an individual appointment at the headquarters or in their home. Letters will be mailed to agencies serving various target populations making them aware of the program for their clients. There will be posters around the town.