Message in a bottle could save your life
PICTURE the scene: a person has collapsed in their home. They live alone, but a neighbour is worried and calls the emergency services. An ambulance paramedic finds the person comatose on the floor. Treatment is urgently required.
But who knows the person’s medical history? Is he or she allergic to anything? What relative or carer should be contacted in an emergency?
If the person attending does not know what medication the patient may be on, or what disability he or she may have, valuable time could be lost. Time that could mean the difference between life and death.
But suppose all the relevant medical and family information is available in an easy to locate place? The paramedic can then act quickly, use the appropriate treatment, and then later in hospital the medical staff will know exactly how to continue the treatment.
This is the situation envisaged in the Lions Club Message in a Bottle scheme, which was launched in Tuam’s Corralea Court Hotel last week.
But who knows the person’s medical history? Is he or she allergic to anything? What relative or carer should be contacted in an emergency?
If the person attending does not know what medication the patient may be on, or what disability he or she may have, valuable time could be lost. Time that could mean the difference between life and death.
But suppose all the relevant medical and family information is available in an easy to locate place? The paramedic can then act quickly, use the appropriate treatment, and then later in hospital the medical staff will know exactly how to continue the treatment.
This is the situation envisaged in the Lions Club Message in a Bottle scheme, which was launched in Tuam’s Corralea Court Hotel last week.