Health data program to start soon in Ottawa County

7/11/2007

OAK HARBOR, Ohio - Even if people are unconscious in an emergency situation, EMS providers will soon have the ability to find the patients' medical information through a new program in Ottawa County.

County officials will soon be kicking off the File of Life program, which is designed to quickly put medical information in the hands of EMS providers, said Dianne Mortensen, supervisor at Ottawa County Senior Resources in Oak Harbor.

The File of Life is a red, plastic, magnetic file folder that residents should stick on the refrigerator in plain view for any emergency response personnel.

Information provided in the folder includes medications taken, allergies, medical conditions, blood type, recent surgeries, emergency contact information, physician name, and other crucial medical information, Ms. Mortensen said.

Emergency teams are trained to look for the packet when responding to area homes.

The free packets will first be distributed at the Ottawa County Fair on July 18, which is Senior Day at the fair.

The packets also can be picked up after that date at any of the Ottawa County senior centers, located in Danbury, Elmore, Genoa, Oak Harbor, Port Clinton, and Put-in-Bay.

The program is sponsored by Magruder Hospital, LifeFlight, ProMedica Air and Mobile, Kiwanis clubs of Ottawa County, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, and Ottawa County Senior Resources.