Vial of Life

The Vial of Life Program

The Vial of Life program was adopted by Durham County EMS in the spring of 2002. The purpose is to make important information readily available to emergency responders in the event of a medical emergency during which a patient is unable to communicate. It contains information that helps paramedics determine if a patient is on medications or has medical conditions if they enter a home and there is no one to answer vital questions on behalf of the patient. This information is vital in an emergency and not always available. There is also information concerning an individual’s physician.

Who Is It For?

Anyone can use the Vial of Life, but it is often used by elderly patients, people living alone, or people with medical conditions that may bring them in frequent contact with EMS. We have extended the Vial of Life program to include people who have autism or special health care needs.

With this expansion of the program, we can include caregiver contacts, appropriate methods of communication, triggering sensory stimuli, de-escalation tactics, inclinations towards wandering, and other information that may help a patient with autism or special needs.

How Does It Work?

Durham County EMS will provide participants with a refrigerator magnet, a vehicle sticker, a medicine bottle labeled Vial of Life, and a patient information form. The form has areas for personal data, past medical history, allergies, advanced directives, current medications, caregiver information, communication methods, sensory stimulus and emergency contact numbers. The Vial of Life bottle is kept inside the refrigerator door or vehicle glove box to be easily located by paramedics.