An old program has gained new momentum to aid first responders when they attend to an ill or injured person in the home.
The Sechelt Lions Club and Pharmasave are sponsoring the Vial for Life, following a local woman's concern about the vulnerability of a friend who lived alone and isolated.
"I moved here in 2002 and became good friends with Reg Oldershaw. I was so concerned about him living alone [as caretaker in Cliff Gilker Park], it just popped into my head again," said Joan Braunberger, referring to Vial for Life.
Braunberger used to live in Florida where the program was popular. She decided to approach people on the Coast about starting it here.
The vial contains the individual's medical information and should be taped inside their refrigerator. A magnet on the fridge alerts people to it in the event that the person falls ill or gets hurt. Whoever arrives first on scene can access the casualty's vial and give it to paramedics who can use it to choose appropriate treatment.
"It's a good program and an old program being revived," said John Kennedy, owner and pharmacist of Sechelt's Pharmasave.
Kennedy provided the vials, and the Lions Club did the underwriting, printing of the labels, magnets and information sheets, which are free in a basket at the pharmacy counter.
Braunberger has had positive response from police, fire and paramedic services.
"RCMP and fire know and the ambulance stations have them to hand out to their regulars," she said. "But most people should go to Pharmasave and pick one up."
Oldershaw passed away recently, but Braunberger is hopeful the program will aid others.
