LIfe-saving message in a bottle
Bikers from voluntary emergency courier service Devon Freewheelers are helping to save even more lives after agreeing to help the Lions Club distribute bottles for use by vulnerable people.
The Message in a Bottle (MIB) scheme comprises bottles designed to contain vital information that can aid NHS emergency services in the event of a medical crisis in the home.
A plastic bottle is labelled with a green cross, filled with personal and medical details and kept in the fridge. Green cross stickers are then fixed to the back of the front door and the door of the fridge so that NHS emergency services know to look for a bottle.
Devon Freewheelers CEO, Daniel Lavery, explained: “It’s a really simple idea but it catches peoples’ imaginations as it has the potential to be of real help to the elderly, people living on their own or those with life-threatening medical issues.
“The Lions Club felt that the Freewheelers could get the bottles out to people they would not normally come into contact with so they asked us to carry them on our bikes and hand them out at fundraising events. There has been unprecedented interest from people we show the bottles to and we’ve handed out hundreds so far,” added Daniel.
The bottle comes as part of an emergency information pack, which contains a simple form to be completed with medical and personal information, such as doctor’s name and contact details, a brief description of existing medical conditions and names of people who can be contacted in an emergency.
A repeat prescription list can also be kept in the bottle, as the information this contains can be valuable to the emergency services. , helping paramedics to administer life-saving drugs whilst avoiding potential drug reactions. The form has space for details on any pets so that these can be cared for should they be left alone.
Bob Francis from the Honiton and District Lions Club, said: “We are delighted that members of Devon Freewheelers have agreed to carry and distribute the bottles. This really shows how two organisations can work together to take something out across the county. The Devon Freewheelers are raising awareness of MiB and distributing the bottles, and, in turn, the Lions Club is raising awareness of the Freewheelers and their work, so it’s a win-win solution. We have also been busy fundraising for them, too.”
MIB is a free service, managed and financed by the Lions Club. To obtain a bottle, ask a friendly Freewheeler or contact your local Lions Club, enquire at your surgery, healthcare centre or chemist, or email miab@lions105sw.org.uk
