VIAL OF LIFE: A SMALL MEASURE OFFERS SUBSTANTIAL POTENTIAL PROTECTION

Recently, the Franklin (Michigan) Fire Department offered free "Vials of Life" to its residents. The vial is a large, empty prescription medication bottle which is kept in the freezer and which contains an individual’s medical history, current medication list, persons to contact, etc. The purpose is to alert responding medical personnel to the individual’s particular medical history if that individual is not able to communicate for him/herself . A sticker is also placed in the individual’s front window, notifying medical personnel of the existence of the vial and its location. The Franklin Fire Department is now trained to look for such stickers.

CI members can do the same thing for themselves, regardless of the lack of such any formal program in their area, by placing important medical information and wishes regarding cryonic suspension in a container that can be readily found by responding emergency personnel. Two things are of paramount importance:

1. Notification to emergency medical personnel of the existence of the "vial" must be maintained in a CONSPICUOUS place where they will be sure to see it when responding. To be safe, more than one location should be utilized, such as in all windows near likely places of entry, as well as conspicuous inside locations, such as the front of the refrigerator or on bathroom mirrors. It is important that other clutter not obscure the notice of the existence of the "vial." Emergency personnel are geared toward treating the patient, not searching for medical or other documents.

2) The vial itself need not be an actual vial. It could be a clearly marked waterproof container of some variety, or even a Ziploc freezer bag clearly marked with the contents (such as "Important Medical and Urgent Post Mortem Information inside"). It is critical that the contents are readily accessible and identifiable to emergency personnel acting under pressure. Hiding it behind the frozen dinners or the Hagen Daaz would be extremely counterproductive.

It would also seem to make sense to limit the information in your "vial" to that which is absolutely essential. EMS personnel are not likely to take time away from trying to save your life to read your cryonic suspension agreement. Edit what you include to highlight the essentials.

Connie Ettinger

The Vial of Life Project has decals that are fade resistant UV coated vinyl, self adhesive stickers, will gladly send them to you. Here is what we charge.

2 Decals $2.00, 10 Decals $5.00, 25 Decals $10.00

Vial of Life Project
4712 Admiralty Way, #229
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Please include your address and email address in case we need to contact you about your order. We will not contact you for any other reasons. Please don't call us...we can't afford the staff to answer thousands of calls a week. We will gladly answer your email sent to: order@vialoflife.com.