Full Notification

File of Life Can be a Lifesaver

Medical emergencies can happen anytime. When they do, there is confusion, panic and urgency.

Public Safety Dispatchers, police, fire and paramedics often have very little or no information about the person in need. Seconds count – and, can make the difference between life and death. Does the patient have prior medical conditions? Allergies? What medications are they taking? Who do they want us to call? How do we contact their family or friends?

File of Life puts these answers at their fingertips. It allows first responders to immediately begin the best possible treatment, notify loved ones and pass this vital data on to awaiting physicians at the emergency room.

File of Life forms, as well as advance directives, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and physician orders for life sustaining treatment (POLST) should be placed in a special red magnetic sleeve and kept in a noticeable location (e.g. refrigerator door). File of Life forms are available online (https://www.sccgov.org/sites/ems/Pages/Lifesaving-Information-For-Emergencies.aspx) and the magnetic sleeve to hold the forms can be obtained at any of the Santa Clara Fire Department's ten fire stations (http://missioncity.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapTour/index.html?appid=15779cefd9bc463d8bc6229b61d921d5).