Hundreds locally sign up for ‘Message in a Bottle’

HUNDREDS of Bray residents have signed up to the innovative ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme promoted by the Lions Club.

It’s a national drive, with 90,000 signed up in Ireland, in which people are encouraged to keep their personal and medical details on a standard form and in a common location - the household fridge.

There are 700 participants in this area.

Michael Clince, Lions Clubs project leader, said that members of the 110 Lions Clubs in Ireland are planning to distribute an additional 40,000 bottles over the coming months with the assistance of fire and ambulance services and many voluntary organisations such as ‘Meals on Wheels’ and senior citizens groups.

‘ The system provides emergency services with comprehensive information on medication prescribed for a patient, which can be invaluable during initial treatment and which can also be transmitted to a hospital before a patient arrives,’ said Michael.

‘In an emergency, every second counts and gaining access to critical medical data can save lives.’

While it is focused on the more vulnerable people in our community, anyone can have an accident in the home, so ‘Message in a Bottle’ can benefit everyone. The information form is simple to complete but in some cases it may be desirable that elderly persons are assisted in completing the form, by a relative, friend or carer.

The completed information form is placed inside the bottle. Each bottle contains the details of one person.

By completing the information on the form, it will save the emergency services valuable time in identifying the individual and whether they have any special needs. It is not only a potential lifesaver, but also it provides peace of mind to the users, their friends and families in knowing that prompt medical treatment is provided and the next of kin and emergency contacts are notified.

The small distinctive plastic containers contain a printed form and three labels. The recipient fills in the form with their medical details, allergies, and next of kin contact details. Any pets in the family can also be included. They then put the completed form into the bottle.

The bottle is then placed in the fridge and one of the labels placed on the outside of the fridge door. The other label is placed on the inside of the front entrance door of the home, by the lock. One can also be placed on the inside of their back door.

If a person is taken ill while alone in the house and is unable to communicate, the Emergency Services and First Responders, on seeing the labels, are alerted to go straight to the fridge, saving valuable minutes assessing the patients details