Anglesea Lions book could be life saver

THE Anglesea Lions is undertaking a new Emergency Medical Information Book project that has the potential to save lives.

Anglesea Lions Club Treasurer Tom McGrath said the books are free and will be distributed though medical centres in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.

“The Anglesea ambulance service has endorsed the use of the books as a very useful tool in responding to emergencies. They intend to carry books on the ambulance and pass them on to suitable recipients,” Mr McGrath said.

“The purpose is to record all your medical information in a detailed manner. The book can be completed with the assistance of your doctor and/or chemist, so the information is up to date and correct.

“The entries in the book cover such matters as full information on the person, including Medicare number, local doctor, next of kin or person responsible – guardian/carer etc. Also recorded in the booklet are a list of all current medications, and all current medical conditions, e.g. allergies, asthma, etc.

He said the books will be available from the Anglesea Chemist and hopefully distributed to the Elderly Citizens Club in Anglesea and bowling and golf clubs.

“There is also provision for a record of past operations and conditions that may be relevant to an ambulance officer responding to an emergency e.g. pacemaker,” he said.

“The book is designed to fit inside a plastic envelope with magnets that make it easy to place in a prominent place in the home such as a fridge, where an ambulance officer can locate it quickly and easily.

“It’s recommended bowlers and golfers carry one in their bowling bag or golf club bags, or even on them in person when playing, so that in the case of an emergency ambulance officers are in possession of all relevant information – especially if the patient is unconscious or unable to give the information.”

More than one million books have been distributed Australia wide and saved lives with the book nationally recognised by the Australian and New Zealand Council of Ambulance Authorities.

“The idea of the book is a joint community project by Rotary and Lions Clubs. Given the demographic of Anglesea residents it is hoped the book will provide a safety net should there be an emergency requiring the attendance of an ambulance,” Mr McGrath said.