Emergency Information Kits Available to Residents

The  is helping the Vial of Life Project in its mission to distribute emergency information kits to all seniors. 

The local police agency has obtained 1,000 Vial of Life decals and kits, which are available to residents free of charge.

The goal is to help emergency responders better assist residents by having quick and easy access to their medical information and history.

Caldwell Councilman Peter Murray, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said the borough plans to distribute the decals and kits through the Grover Cleveland Senior Center, Marion Manor and the Tenant’s Association. The decals and kits are not just for seniors, however, they are available to all residents.

Here’s how Vial of Life works:

One decal is placed prominently on the front door or window of an apartment or house to be seen by anyone responding to a medical emergency. The decal reads, “See refrigerator door for complete medical information.”

The kit includes a form which asks personal and medical information, including current and past medical conditions, current medications and dosages, allergies to medications and name and number of doctors. 

The completed form is placed a plastic baggie taped to the refrigerator door and marked with a second Vial of Life decal. Other items can be placed in the baggie, such as a copy of an EKG, living will or a recent photograph of the resident.

Officer Paul Stabile brought the Vial of Life to the attention of Caldwell Police, according to Chief James Bongiorno.

Bongiorno said the Vial of Life is critical in situations “where every second counts.”

About 25 percent of Caldwell residents are 65 and over, he said.

For more information, visit www.vialoflife.com. You can also download and print the PDF form attached to this article.