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New program removes first responder confusion

A new program will enable first responders to act more efficiently in emergency situations.

Chris Stedile

Castlegar News

 

 

A new program brought to you by the  Castlegar Community Response Network (CRN) will enable first responders to act more efficiently in emergency situations.

Many times, responders to a scene of a medical emergency may arrive after the victim is unable to interact with them, which makes it very difficult to figure out if the patient has specific needs such as medications or allergies.

This is where the newly implemented Personal Records In Medical Emergency (PRIME) program comes in. PRIME is essentially a vivid decal on the door of your fridge that alerts the first responders that their is relevant information within the fridge.

PRIME provides a consistent central location of essential medical information for emergency responders. A detailed medical and personal information fact sheet about the individual is placed inside a vial, inside the fridge door.

A PRIME kit contains an introduction and instruction sheet, the PRIME forms, a vial to put them in once completed, and a label for the fridge door. Participants may also consider placing other papers in the vial such as a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, representation agreement, and a recent picture of themselves.

The program was originally designed for seniors, however it’s becoming clear that everyone can benefit from being a PRIME participant.

The sponsors of this program have also included helpful hints such as using a pencil to print information because it’s easier to make updates and won’t run if moist, and to pay special attention to current medications and allergies. Keeping the forms updated is important, especially for individuals whose medications fluctuate.

PRIME kits are being created now and will soon be available for pick up at Castlegar Community Services and Shoppers Drug Mart, with other locations to be determined.

PRIME is a project of CRN, part of the provincial association of CRNs (www.bccrns.ca). Project sponsors include Castlegar Community Services, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Community Foundation of Castlegar & District.

PRIME is a community project created with small grants and offered at no cost to individuals in the Castlegar area. Donations are greatly appreciated and will go towards sustaining the project.

For more information on PRIME, to make a donation, or to request a group presentation, please contact Sandi McCreight, project coordinator at 250-365-2104 ext. 27, or soscastlegar@hotmail.com.