A simple new information kit could help Fort Frances paramedics save valuable time when responding to medical emergencies, particularly in situations where patients are unable to speak for themselves.
Fort Frances Senior Centre manager Cindy Noble introduced the Emergency Response Information Kit (E.R.I.K) on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Centre, distributing copies to everyone in attendance.
The kit allows residents to record essential medical information, including existing health conditions, medications, allergies, health card numbers, and emergency contacts, keeping everything in one easily accessible location.
Once completed, this information is stored in a transparent sleeve on the refrigerator, where emergency responders can quickly find it. A red dot sticker, placed on a light switch near the home’s entrance, alters paramedics to the kit’s presence.
Rainy River District Paramedic Services deputy chief Chris Wielinga welcomed the initiative, explaining that accessing medical information can sometimes prove difficult during emergencies.
“Occasionally when we’re getting to somebody’s home and we’re at the scene, the medical information isn’t readily available,” he said.
Wielinga explained that emergencies are sometimes discovered by neighbours or friends checking on someone, who may have little knowledge of that person’s medical history.
Having a patient’s full name, health card number, medical history and medications readily available could make a significant difference to attending paramedics.
“That’s great information for the paramedics that are on scene,” he said.
The initiative was originally rolled out province-wide across Manitoba in 2002. Earlier this year, the Age Friendly Thunder Bay and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, in collaboration with Superior North EMS, announced 10,000 kits to be distributed across Thunder Bay.
Now E.R.I.K is being introduced locally.
Alongside medical information, the kit provides space for details of doctors, pharmacies and home-care providers, as well as information about do-not-resuscitate orders.
Residents are encouraged to keep their records updated, particularly when medications or medical circumstances change. The accompanying guidance emphasizes that the kit does not replace paramedics’ assessments, and emergency treatment will still be provided if information is incomplete.
The initiative is particularly intended to support seniors, including those living independently, by ensuring their medical information remains accessible during an emergency.
Wielinga emphasized the importance of having that information available when time is of the essence, especially when someone cannot communicate their medical history or emergency contact details.
Residents seeking further information about the kits can contact the Fort Frances Senior Centre at 401 Nelson St., or call them at: 807-274-7656.
A printable version of the kit is also available through the Age Friendly Thunder Bay website.
