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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Vial of Life?

The Vial of Life is a life safety program being implemented by the Fire Department that puts vital information into the hands of Emergency Responders and Physicians when it is needed most, during the first minutes of a critical illness or accident in your home. Important medical and patient information is placed on a standardized worksheet then placed in a vial, which is stored in your refrigerator. This information will assist responding personnel with properly treating you or your family in the case of an emergency.

Why should I participate?

Important information must be gathered in order to properly treat a patient. If this information is available immediately upon our arrival, vital time will be saved while treating a patient. When seconds can mean the difference between life and death, the advantages of participation are obvious. Sometimes a patient may be unconscious and unable to talk with the first responders, the information provided by the Vial of Life will help determine the best possible treatment of the patient.

Who will have access to this information?

If you require emergency medical treatment, life saving information will be available to responding personnel. This includes Arlington Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service. The information will then be supplied to the nurses and doctors at the treating hospital. At no time will this information be available to anyone other than personnel involved in the treatment of the patient. Prior to an emergency, the information is stored only by you. It is kept safely with you until needed.

What happens when I am away from home?

If you would like to carry a second copy with you while traveling, make a photocopy and place it in a wallet or purse. It is important not to take the vial or original copy from your home. We are more than happy to provide residents with additional worksheets if needed.
Where will this information be stored?

The worksheets will be placed in a vial, which will then be stored on the top shelf of your refrigerator door. This location was chosen because it is centrally located and common to all households.

How will responding personnel know you are participating?

A sticker is placed on the front door glass and/or a magnet placed on the exterior of your refrigerator door stating “Vial of Life” this will notify personnel of your participation.
Tell me how this works

When we are called to your home for a medical emergency the City of Arlington Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Service will look for signs of your participation in the program. Upon seeing the sticker or magnet, the responders will retrieve the information sheet from the vial in your refrigerator to assist with the treatment of you or your family members.

Who should participate?

It is our goal that all family members young and old with a medical history fill out individual worksheets and store them together in a vial. **Please note that participants must be a resident of the City of Arlington**

How often should I update information?

It is important to update and maintain current information. If there is a medication change or any other problems that should be noted make changes on the form as soon as possible or get a new form. If you need additional forms please contact the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-5500.

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