Here's a scary thought for you.
If you needed medical assistance in your home,
would the paramedics know how to treat you?
Not like, take you out for ice cream kind of treat you,
but would they have a way to know
what your allergies are or what medications you take?
That is where a vial of life comes in.
While it sounds like something from a video game
or a D&D campaign, it's actually
an important document full of medical information
that helps first responders in an emergency.
Today on Ask SafeWise, what is a vial of life?
But before we get into it, like and subscribe
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All right, let's get into it.
Short answer,
a vial of life is like a longer printed version
of a medical ID bracelet.
It's the list of important medical details designed
to help first responders help you in an emergency.
If you have chest pains or pass out, fall or injure yourself
and aren't able to give them those details,
this document gives them the vital information
that they need to give you the best treatment possible.
So why is a vial of life called a vial of life?
After all, it's a document, not a literal vial.
But it used to be, when medical alerts first started,
this little document came in a plastic container,
like an old pill bottle, hence the name vial.
It all boils down to an acronym
for life-saving information for emergencies.
You might also hear it called a file of life,
because it can be kept in a folder.
So what kind of life-saving information
for emergencies goes into this document?
Turns out, quite a lot.
On a single vial-of-life form,
you'll find sections for contact and personal information,
like your date of birth, social security number
and primary language, health insurance information,
your Medicare number, emergency contact names
and phone numbers, your doctor's name and phone number,
your current medication, supplements,
dosage, allergies, medical conditions.
And there's a catch-all area on the back
for other important medical information,
such as any implanted medical devices
or preferred hospitals.
In that same section, you can also add things
that apply like power of attorney,
any DNR or pulse orders or a living will,
can be really helpful in serious, serious emergencies.
If you live with other people
and there's more than one vial of life on the fridge,
tuck a recent photo of each person
in front of that paperwork and it'll help the paramedics,
grab the right one.
Vial of life forms can be downloaded and printed online.
We'll drop a link below if you'd like to see one.
Or they might come with a medical alert system.
Ones we've reviewed on SafeWise,
like Bay Alarm Medical and GetSafe,
are just a few of the medical alert companies
that offer a vial of life, and it's typically
a less than $10 add on with your system.
If you get a vial of life with a medical alert system,
it might also come with a decal or sticker.
Put that in front-facing windows
so EMS personnel know you have one.
Most emergency responders are trained
to look for a vial of life on the refrigerator,
even if there's no decal on the front door,
but it doesn't hurt to display it.
Traditionally, these sheets go on your fridge,
but you can also leave a note there
for the paramedics to find files with your full details.
It's also smart to keep an extra copy
in your glove box, purse, or wallet.
If you're not going with the print and download route,
you could also spend between $8 and $30
to get forms with magnetic storage envelopes.
We've linked to those below too.
Filling out a vial of life form is an important part
of being prepared for a medical emergency.
And this isn't just for older adults and seniors;
anyone who lives alone should fill one out.
Hopefully you won't need it, but in the event
that you pass out or are too disoriented to speak
to medical emergency personnel, the vial of life form
gives them that critical information
so they can make better informed decisions
when caring for you.
If you wanna learn more about medical alert systems,
we've linked to our reviews of the best in our description.
You can also check out a couple of our videos about them,
talking about how much they cost and how they work.
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Thanks for watching and stay safe.