Protect loved ones through File of Life

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Protect loved ones through File of Life

Around Osceola

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 00:00

The Osceola County Council on Aging is celebrating Independence Day in a variety of ways. Parties, music, costumes and patriotic events fill the calendar, but a new year-round initiative is launching in collaboration with Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory, which can give the community a sense of independence, according to a council press release.
The File of Life initiative is open to any and all residents wanting to ensure they and their loved ones are prepared in the event of an emergency. It’s full of vital information to help in a medical emergency when someone’s life is most vulnerable, according to the press release.
“This provides people, especially those who are elderly and live alone, with a sense of security knowing that current medical and contact information is available for first responders,” Beverly Hougland, CEO of the council, stated. “We are very happy to have Grissom, as a longtime supporter and sponsor, partner with us for this initiative.”
The File of Life is a list of basic and critical information so neighbors and medical personnel can make life-saving decisions about actions to take when a person’s life is at risk. Without this information medical personnel are unable to respond as in the case of a stroke or unconsciousness. It includes the personal information of the owner such as name, address, physician(s), emergency contacts, date of birth, medications, conditions, allergies and medical insurance.
“This is such a commonsense approach to community care,” Teresa Beverly, Signature Memories coordinator at Grissom, stated. “Without this basic information, first responders must delay emergency care, allowing precious minutes or even hours to pass before this critically important personal and medical history is collected and decisions about patient treatment and care can determined.”
This initiative is part of a countywide effort to engage residents, first responders and family members. In order for the initiative to be successful, residents must complete the information accurately, place it in a visible place such as the front of the refrigerator and/or the glove box of their car and most importantly, keep the information current.
Kits are available through the various programs offered at the Osceola Council on Aging such as Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Health Center, independent living facilities, Dining Club participants and case-managed clients. Anyone not a client of the council may pick up the File of Life at Grissom Funeral Home, 803 Emmett St., Kissimmee. Call the funeral home for additional information on this initiative at 407-847-3131.