24/04/2007
Message in a Bottle scheme launched to help elderly
Plans to distribute 80,000 bottles to older people to record basic but important personal and medical details to assist the emergency services, have been unveiled today by Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson MP.
The Message in a Bottle scheme will be invaluable to members of the emergency services coming to the assistance of an older person, the Minister added.
The scheme encourages older people to record their personal and medical details and next of kin in a special bottle and store them in their fridge. A special sticker on the front and fridge doors will alert those arriving to provide assistance that the older person has signed up to the scheme.
David Hanson said: “This initiative will give older people added reassurance that they will get the support they need if an emergency arises.
“Message in a Bottle encourages older people to keep basic personal and medical details where it can be found quickly and gives them peace of mind that they will get the help they need at the time they need it. I encourage all older people to get a bottle which will be available from local Community Safety partnerships.”
Liam McIvor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, added: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance fully supports the introduction of the Message in a Bottle initiative to Northern Ireland.
“It has the potential to ensure important information is available in emergency situations for our staff thereby supporting fast and effective care and treatment in potentially life threatening situations.”
(JM/KMcA)
The Message in a Bottle scheme will be invaluable to members of the emergency services coming to the assistance of an older person, the Minister added.
The scheme encourages older people to record their personal and medical details and next of kin in a special bottle and store them in their fridge. A special sticker on the front and fridge doors will alert those arriving to provide assistance that the older person has signed up to the scheme.
David Hanson said: “This initiative will give older people added reassurance that they will get the support they need if an emergency arises.
“Message in a Bottle encourages older people to keep basic personal and medical details where it can be found quickly and gives them peace of mind that they will get the help they need at the time they need it. I encourage all older people to get a bottle which will be available from local Community Safety partnerships.”
Liam McIvor, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, added: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance fully supports the introduction of the Message in a Bottle initiative to Northern Ireland.
“It has the potential to ensure important information is available in emergency situations for our staff thereby supporting fast and effective care and treatment in potentially life threatening situations.”
(JM/KMcA)
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