You are living alone when you suddenly suffer an accidental injury or unexpected medical emergency.
A neighbor is able to call 9-1-1 for you, but knows nothing about your medical history. You are taking several pills to control your blood pressure and heart condition, but you are unable to recall the names of the medication. Your family lives in another city and you cannot explain to the paramedics where their phone number is written down. You know you have a medication allergy, but in the emergency, you cannot recall what it is. Fortunately, one of the paramedics notices a Capsule of Life identification sticker on your fridge.
The paramedic opens it and is immediately able to obtain the name of your physician, information about your next-of-kin, a list of your medications and allergies, and a list of any previous medical diagnoses. After obtaining all the pertinent information they require, you are moved to the ambulance for transport to hospital where paramedics can then provide a complete medical history to ER staff.
What is Capsule of Life ®
The EMS Foundation, in partnership with AHS Emergency Medical Services, provides the Capsule of Life program.
The complete kit consists of: a plastic capsule, health and contact information forms to be placed in the capsule, an orange static sticker, an instruction leaflet, and a Foundation donation leaflet*. The orange static sticker is placed on the outside of the fridge to alert paramedic staff of the capsule's presence inside the refrigerator.
This program promotes the importance of having medical information stored in an easily identifiable location for EMS personnel. When a patient cannot speak for themselves, the information recorded on the medical information forms can mean the difference between life or death.
*The capsules are provided at no cost.
Who may benefit from the Capsule of Life ®
- Senior citizens
- Chronically ill persons
- Young children under the care of a sitter
- Long distance car and truck drivers
- Those living alone
The EMS Foundation has distributed thousands of Capsules of Life® since the introduction of the program in 1999.
Obtain your free Capsule of Life® by contacting the EMS Foundation at 403-955-9550.