Tamworth Caregivers, Boy Scouts distributing emergency information cards

Tamworth Caregivers recently conducted a survey of 19 helping agencies in the town, to find out if there were ways that the volunteer organization of "neighbors helping neighbors" could help these institutions in any way. Schools, libraries, churches, medical and health agencies were among those polled. Several fine ideas came out of the survey, one of which is being turned into action right now.An emergency response group suggested that emergency patient cards would be a good idea. When they heard about it, the Caregivers enthusiastically agreed, and got to work to provide them. The cards, posted in a visible place, would provide emergency response information for every resident in every house in town. In the event of an emergency, precious moments would not have to be used by EMTs to find out the patient's name, date of birth, doctor's name, what medications they are taking, and other pertinent health information. The forms can also go to the hospital with the patient, and help save time at the admissions desk and the ER.Early in November, the Boy Scouts will go door-to-door for their annual Thanksgiving food drive. They will also distribute emergency information cards from the Caregivers to every resident. Please look for these, and use them. When the cards are filled out and folded in thirds, they go into magnetized, red-rimmed plastic sleeves, also provided. These should be put on every refrigerator in town. For those who prefer a clean 'frige,' the EMTs are also used to looking at the back of your front door for forms such as these. Caregivers will have extra File of Life forms, as they are called. If you are not home when the Boy Scouts arrive, or for when you need to update your information, call 323-7967. When your File of Life form arrives, please take the time to neatly fill it out, and display it conspicuously. The minutes saved at the time of an emergency can be very, very valuable.