Lions Message in a Bottle - Any ES personnel heard of it?

seven_eleven

Has anybody heard of the Lions Message in a Bottle Project?
I started to notice these posters pop up around GP clinics and pharmacies lately advertising it. Seems to be a pretty big campaign.

To give a basic summary.

Message in a Bottle is an Emergency Information Scheme. It simply directs the emergency services to information stored in a plastic bottle which is kept in the fridge; vulnerable people or those with a medical condition can enter their details on the form inside the bottle.

http://www.lionsclubs.ie/index.php/what-we-do/86


One "pack" costs €75, and I'm not sure what it contains aside from a slip of paper.

Have any directives been sent out to NAS/DFB to be checking for these? Any of the paramedics on here even heard of this, and would it even be something you would remember to check for?

I imagine it would be fairly helpful for elderly and disabled people, which is what its marketed at mostly I suppose. Might also be helpful for patients who are unconscious, unable to speak.
I think its a bit expensive though, it doesnt seem to be a government funded thing at all which leads me to question it a bit. To be honest, it would be more sensible to just buy your own little tub for 50c and stick an A4 sheet in it with your info.

seven_eleven

guttenberg

There is no guarantee that the person will be anywhere near the fridge when they need 999 though. A note on the fridge door would be cheaper and more noticeable IMO. Are Medical ID tags/bracelets not used here? patient history would always be at hand(no pun intended).

seven_eleven

guttenberg wrote: »

There is no guarantee that the person will be anywhere near the fridge when they need 999 though. A note on the fridge door would be cheaper and more noticeable IMO. Are Medical ID tags/bracelets not used here? patient history would always be at hand(no pun intended).

I think what they're trying to market is something most people can keep in their fridge (easiest thing to locate) 24/7. Judging from the above poster, the paramedic goes and routes through the fridge to get it.

I'm sure it contains al lthe medications the pt is on, any current illnesses, special needs, recent hospital admissions etc. I can imagine it not being up to date, unless they have a carer who will do update it for them or whatever.

I just have a really hard time seeing a paramedic going to to the fridge, getting this little bottle, and going through the patients medical file. It doesnt seem all that beneficial for the majority of calls. But by all means, if you think otherwise tell me!

Bang Bang

I was approached from the local Lions Club a couple of years ago looking for advice on this scheme. I gave them some positive feedback with relation to the placement of the stickers as their plan wouldn't have worked. But I have not heard a thing back from them.
Also there was nothing said about the €75 fee for a bottle and a couple of stickers!!

Regarding the idea of medications/medical history being stored in the fridge, this is an idea that's been knocking around for a few years. Indeed one of the past chiefs issued a letter asking staff to be mindful that some people may use this concept. I have used it many times and have only come across medication and history in a fridge once.

ectoraige

From the website:

Message in a Bottle flasks come in packs. Each pack contains 210 bottles, 210 bottle lids and 630 green crosses.
1 complete Pack costs €75.00

The packs seem to be intended for clubs to hand out to people, price is in fact just under 37 cents per person.

miju

ectoraige wrote: »

From the website:


The packs seem to be intended for clubs to hand out to people, price is in fact just under 37 cents per person.

I helped in a small way to assist in the launch of these. They are actually completely free to all who require them.