In Massachusetts, The Hampshire/Franklin County TRIAD Coordinator, David Lloyd believes "The FILE OF LIFE provides a substantial preventive step that seniors can take. Its visibility and readability ensure that emergency personnel can access it quickly when responding to a call. Police officers and EMTs have assured us that the information contained int the FILE OF LIFE would not only be helpful, but potentially life-saving. Listing the person(s) to contact when an emergency occurs is of particular value to officers."

Imagine this scenario. An elderly woman has fallen and can't get up, but she manages to push her emergency alert button before passing out. What happens to the woman once the EMTs arrive if they cannot quickly figure out what her medical history is?

If the EMTs cannot determine how to best treat her, the emergency button may not have helped much. Suppose, however, the medics had immediate access to her medical history - a FILE OF LIFE right there on her refrigerator door. This program is available today.

Across the nation, advocates and organizations for the elderly, teaming up with police, fire officials, emergency rescue units, life and health insurance businesses and local government personnel are supporting this simple idea in kits already distributed to dozens of communities.

Since February 1995, over 175 communities in Massachusetts have started adopting the program. In addition, implementation of the FILE OF LIFE concept has commenced in 39 other states. The FILE OF LIFE is rapidly expanding and is now available throughout the entire country.

The FILE OF LIFE's Board of Directors is well aware of what is necessary to help the elderly in emergency situations. They consist of a Chief of Police, Attorney, Sheriff, District Attorney, Triad Coordinator, Council on Aging Director, Fire Chief, EMT Chief, State Senator, Certified Public Accountant, Life Insurance Actuary, Business Professional and Doctor.

© 1997 FOL