The Message in a
Bottle scheme is a simple idea designed to encourage
vulnerable people, living on their
own, to keep their basic personal and medical
details on a standard form and in a common location
where they can be easily found in an Emergency.The
scheme, which has been running for some time now, is
expanding across our area and most of Central
Southern England is now covered. Lions throughout
the
UK are now taking this project up, so
our target is to make this completely national.
Why the fridge? Most homes have a fridge, usually in
the kitchen. It enables the Emergency Services to
find the details quickly and easily, in a COMMON PLACE. In the event of fire, the
contents of the fridge are protected longer.
There is NO COST to the user. All the costs of
running the scheme are borne by the local Lions
Clubs and their sponsors as part of Lions Caring for
our Communities. Local Chemists, Health Centres and
Doctor's surgeries should have Bottle Kits (bottle,
form & stickers). Some Neighbourhood Watch & Age
Concern groups will have supplies, and as the scheme
expands, other agencies will have them.
Other useful information is recorded such as contact
details for Next of Kin or friends to be notified in
an emergency and even what provision is needed for
any pet/s the participants may have. Participants
are strongly encouraged to keep a copy of any repeat
prescriptions in the bottle, as this will aid
Paramedics and any hospital staff to ensure that the
correct drugs are administered in the emergency.
If more than one person lives in the house, only one
bottle is needed, but each member of the household
should complete a separate form, which should have a
passport type photo attached, to aid identification.
This is NOT designed to replace MEDIC ALERT. If the
participant has a specific medical condition and
routinely wears either a Medic Alert or the similar
SOS Talisman bracelet or necklace, they should
CONTINUE to wear it.
If you would like to take part in this scheme or
would like further details then
click here.
