MEDICAL INFORMATION KIT

The Cruz Roja Chapala developed a “Medical Information Kit” in 2013, in response to the need of first responders to obtain medical information in a timely manner. Dr. Sam Thelin, who was then the Medical Director of Cruz Roja Chapala, and Cruz Roja paramedics were finding that they often had no medical information regarding a patient they were called upon to treat. They couldn’t get information from an unconscious patient of course, and sometimes they could not get good information from a stressed friend, neighbor or loved one was too distraught or didn’t know the information needed to help the medical personnel.  The medical professionals were hesitant to administer drugs, for example, in case there was a conflict with medications the patient might be already taking. Precious time was lost in treating a patient and getting them appropriate care because they could not access the patient’s medical information easily.

Following a model developed in California during the 1980’s for a “Vial of Life,” Cruz Roja expat volunteers created a bilingual Medical Information Kit with input from the Cruz Roja first responders and doctors. These kits consisted of a labeled bottle with important medical information inside, to be placed in the refrigerator, with a magnet on the door of the refrigerator to alert first responders that the bottle was there.  Hundreds of kits were distributed to Lakeside Expats between 2014-2016.

Volunteers Colleen Beery and Barbara Harkness worked to improve and resurrect the program this summer. Colleen surveyed expats, consulted CR and LCS, and improved the kit with the help of retired nurse, Colleen Kissinger. The new kits are available at workshops that are held at the Lake Chapala Society and in private locations.

At these workshops, participants assemble a “Vial of Life” with important medical information that is placed in the refrigerator at home, where first responders are trained to look. Participants also fill out a bilingual wallet card with important medical information and receive a list of important phone numbers and phrases to use (in Spanish/English) in an emergency.  The workshop lasts about 60 minutes, and the cost is a nominal 50 pesos.  Check the calendar for upcoming workshops.

Religious, social and neighborhood groups are invited to request their own private workshops, which can take place at their sites, for 12 or more participants. Information can be requested at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.