Provides Valuable Information at Accident Scenes

You're driving north on US41 with your spouse when the unthinkable happens.  A truck runs a stoplight and slams into the driver's side door.  When Charlotte County Fire & EMS arrives, they find you both unconscious.  Worse yet, you have a chronic medical condition that may affect the manner in which paramedics and hospital personnel administer treatment.  With both of you unable to communicate, who will tell them?

None of us like to think that we would ever find ourselves in such a grim scenario.  However, life is unpredictable and preparation is your best defense.  For that reason, Peace River Regional Medical Center has teamed up with Charlotte County Fire & EMS to bring you the Safety on Scene (SOS) program.

"The goal of this valuable program is to provide important medical and emergency information to rescue workers at the scene of an accident," explains Dee Hawkins, public information officer for Charlotte County Fire & EMS. "This information makes it easier for the injured person to receive the care they need in a timely fashion- and in some circumstances, seconds count."

SOS Speaks When You Can't

The premise for the program is simple, “A plastic business-card-size folder holds all of your basic information, including your photo, address, phone number, medications, allergies, medical history, and emergency contact.  This small folder should be kept in your glove compartment at all times," she explains.  "A SOS sticker is placed on the back of your rearview mirror so that rescue workers know that you participate in the program."

"A living will, organ donation card and/or a do not resuscitate order (D.N.R.O) can also be placed inside if desired," says Hawkins.  "You only include the information you want and you can choose to add additional information and paperwork."

When rescue workers reach the scene of an accident and see a red and white SOS sticker on the back of your rearview mirror, they will immediately retrieve the folder from your glove compartment.  "Even if you are conscious, you may be very shaken and upset, making it difficult for you to speak clearly and accurately.  The SOS program helps ensure that rescue workers will have the information they need even if you aren't able to give it to them. Once you reach the hospital, paramedics give the SOS information to the emergency room personnel."

How Do I Participate?

"People of all ages are encouraged to take part in this valuable program," says Hawkins. "Everyone can be involved in a traffic accident, so participation in this program is very valuable regardless of your age," she says.

Once you've enrolled, it's vitally important to keep the information updated.  "The folder is useless if it doesn't contain accurate information.  If you move, change medications, or anything of that sort, please take the time to update it.  It will make all the difference in an emergency situation."

Stop by the front desk in the main lobby of Peace River Regional to obtain your free S.O.S packet, or call Charlotte County Fire/EMS at (941) 743-1367, Mondays through Fridays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.