St. Charles Vial of Life program gives first responders life-saving details

The Vial of Life program is a free service available to senior residents and individuals with special medical needs. It is designed to put a patient's important medical information in the hands of emergency personnel within the first minutes of illness or accident in the home.

St. Charles residents who request a Vial of Life are provided with a tube that contains a form for information about the resident's existing medical conditions, allergies and medications, as well as physician and emergency contact information. Participants in the program should have a physician or family member assist them with filling out the form and ensuring that all medical information is correct.

Vials come with an orange magnet that notifies first responders that the resident is a participant in the program. St. Charles emergency medical personnel have been instructed to check for these magnets when they arrive on a call. Participants should keep their vial in the top right portion of their refrigerator door, and place the Vial of Life magnet on the front of the refrigerator door.

To get more information or request a free Vial of Life kit, residents can contact the St. Charles Fire Department at (630) 377-4458.

The Vial of Life program is sponsored by the St. Charles Fire Department and Walgreens.