More than 90% of medical emergency calls are treated without knowledge of the patients' medical history. The File of Life card enables Fire/Police/EMS personnel to obtain a quick and accurate medical history when a patient is unable to offer one. The card also eliminates the risk of a patient forgetting to mention something important.

The card, which is kept in a red plastic pocket labeled FILE OF LIFE, lists the patient name, emergency medical contact, insurance policy, social security number, health problems, medications, dosages, allergies, recent surgery, religion and a health care proxy. The entire pocket is held with a magnet to the outside of the refrigerator.

You can obtain a FREE File of Life card for you and each of your family members (two per household) at:

City of Southfield Fire Department
24477 Lahser Rd. Southfield MI 48034

Benefits to police officers:

• Faster help for citizens in emergencies.
• Maximum use of officers' time.

Benefits to Fire and EMS personnel:

• Instantly know medical history of patient.
• Corrective treatment can begin at once.

Benefits to hospital emergency staff:

• On arrival, data is immediately available to medical staff.
• No wasted time getting information from a confused patient.

Benefits to each individual:

• Peace of mind knowing they will have prompt and quality care.
• Easy access to potentially life-saving information.
• Assurance that proper persons will be notified quickly.

Renewed sense of community spirit.