Projects and initiatives
Accidents at home: how to ensure emergency services know your medical details
Recent concern has been raised in the Wandsworth community that should a resident fall victim of an unexpected emergency they might, for whatever reason, be unable to communicate to the emergency services and care agencies details of their medical conditions, allergies etc. Insufficient knowledge of these conditions could delay urgent and life-saving treatment.
The 'pot in the fridge' solution
The 'Pot in the fridge' is a simple but extremely effective way for householders to store information on individual medical conditions, next of kin etc. in a place where the emergency services will easily be able to find it.
The 'pot in the fridge' is a clearly labelled plastic container in which a completed form is stored. The pot, which bears an sticker labelled 'emergency information', is placed in the refrigerator. A second sticker is placed on the front of the fridge to indicate that the pot is inside and a third on the inside of the front door. This indicates to the emergency services that this emergency information is available to them.
The scheme is a partnership initiative between the Council and the:
- Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association
- London Fire Brigade
- Primary Care Trust
- London Ambulance Service
- Leonard Cheshire Foundation.
It was launched at the end of January 2006 and within the first three weeks a life had been saved. We are aiming to get a pot in every home in the borough but priority has been given in the first instance to elderly and vulnerable residents.
How to get your free pot
If you would like to take part in the scheme and have your very own free 'pot in the fridge', you can pick one up from your doctor, day centre, luncheon club, the library or any chemist in the borough.
Alternatively you can contact the Council direct and we will send you a pot. Call Al Busa on (020) 8871 6584 or email him at abusa@wandsworth.gov.uk.
