Halton Region Health Department, Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS) introduced an Emergency Information Vial Program several years ago. It was developed to provide Emergency Medical Responders with the most up to date pertinent medical information. Responders can then assess and apply the most appropriate care and drug treatment as quickly as possible increasing the patient’s chances of a more positive outcome.

In an emergency, time is of the essence if you are unable to speak or communicate, or are unconscious, searching for medications and asking questions from sometimes unreliable sources takes up valuable time.

The program is easy to follow:

• A clear plastic vial with a white easy snap cap is marked with a fluorescent orange label with the three universal symbols for 911 (Medical, Fire & Police)
• An Emergency Information form ( 120KB) (which is put inside the vial) is for your completion.
  Note: Have your doctor, pharmacist, or relative help you complete the form if needed, and make sure it is kept up-to-date.
• Place the completed Emergency Information form back into the vial and place it in the refrigerator in one of the door shelves.
• The vial contains two additional fluorescent orange labels, one to stick on the front door of your house, and the other to stick on you refrigerator door.

Emergency Information Wallet cards are also available!

As an extension to the vial program, Emergency Information Wallet Cards have been developed in the same model as the Emergency Vial Information Insert forms, to provide emergency responders with critical medical information when you are not at home.

These wallet cards can also be placed into clear luggage tags and attached to:

• a child’s car seat
• school back pack
• camping gear
• worn on a lanyard for runners and other sporting events i.e. hockey, baseball, golf, tennis etc