Tackling falls and fractures in older adults
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Summary
When first responders are called to a home in an emergency, they check for the Lions Message in a Bottle, a key initiative that ensures they have the information they need to provide first aid.
What if the emergency services are called to your parent’s home?
Older adults are more likely to call emergency services for a variety of reasons, including a fall, injury, illness, collapse, confusion, distressing situation, or as a consequence of neighbourly concern.
If they are too unwell to provide vital information to any first responders it can lead to delays, or even errors, in providing the necessary care and support.
Consequently, emergency services across Britain, including within the NHS, support the life -saving initiative known as Message in a Bottle. This initiative provides peace of mind to all concerned because it ensures that prompt and effective assistance can be provided and any emergency contacts – including Carents – can be notified.
The Lions Clubs’ Message in a Bottle kit can be a life-saver
Message in a Bottle was initially championed by the Lions Club, UK but is now widespread and routinely embedded in emergency care services.
Message in a Bottle is a simple way for people to keep their essential personal and medical details where they can be found by emergency services, on a standard form, and in a common location, i.e. the fridge.
It means that first responders can save valuable time by identifying an individual and knowing if they have any allergies or take any special medication.
Paramedics, police, fire-fighters and social services all support this life-saving initiative and know to look in the fridge when they see the Lions Message in a Bottle stickers displayed in the home.
Where can I get a Message in a Bottle?
Kits are supplied for free, and you can obtain a Message in a Bottle kit by contacting:
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- Your local Lions club
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- Your local Ambulance Service
You might also be able to get a kit from a local organisation that stocks them, such as:
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- Pharmacies
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- Health centres
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- Housing associations
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- Neighbourhood watch
How to use a Message in a Bottle kit
The Lions Message in a Bottle kit consists of a plastic bottle, a form, and some stickers. They are very simple to use and play a vital role in emergency planning.
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- Complete the form with relevant personal, medical, and emergency contact details.
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- Put the form in the bottle and the bottle in the fridge.
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- Stick one sticker on the fridge and another close to the front door in a prominent position.
If you do not want a sticker on the fridge then put it close to the back door. The point of the stickers is to alert emergency staff to the fact that the householder has a Lion’s Message in a Bottle in the fridge.
Information to include in the bottle
- Personal details eg name, date of birth
- GP name, address, and contact number
- A brief description of any medical conditions and any allergies
- Contact details for two emergency contacts
- Details of regular medicines – or a copy of a repeat prescription list if you have one
- For anyone who has caring responsibilities then also include details of the person being cared for
