PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Imagine being involved in a vehicle collision. At that moment, anger, fear and confusion can set in, and an injury or loss of consciousness may occur. Emergency responders arriving at the scene need to know medical history, medications and allergies, and much more, but injuries may make it difficult to respond. Thankfully, the Safety on Scene (S.O.S.) program created by Charlotte County Fire & EMS and sponsored by Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda provides emergency responders the information they need for rapid care during an emergency.
The S.O.S. program is a free public service for Charlotte County residents that supplies valuable medical information to emergency personnel in a portable and convenient format that travels with the owner. Charlotte County emergency responders are alerted to program participants by the S.O.S. sticker placed on the back of a vehicle’s rearview mirror. The sticker leads responders to a zippered pouch attached to the ignition key ring that holds the S.O.S. form containing pertinent medical information including: medical history, medications, allergies, doctor’s name, emergency contact and possible do not resuscitate orders, living will or organ donation requests.
To participate in the program, pick up the S.O.S. packet which includes a sticker, medical information form and pouch at:
Attach the provided sticker onto the back of the vehicle’s rearview mirror, complete the S.O.S. information form, fold and insert into the zippered pouch, and attach the pouch to the owner’s keys.
“By partnering with Charlotte County Fire & EMS to bring new energy to the S.O.S. program, we hope more residents are encouraged to participate in this valuable, lifesaving program,” says Richard H. Satcher, Market CEO of Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.
“Residents participating in the Safety on Scene Program are providing important medical information to emergency responders, saving valuable time on scene. The program also provides a rapid transfer of information to emergency flight nurses as well as local hospitals and trauma centers,” says Dee Hawkins-Garland, Charlotte County Fire & EMS.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Charlotte County reported 2,241 vehicle crashes in 2014. Some accidents may not be avoided, but don’t avoid signing up for the S.O.S. program.
For more information about the S.O.S. program, contact Charlotte County Fire & EMS at 941-833-5610 or dee.hawkins-garland@charlottecountyfl.gov.
