Helping First Responders Help You

When a medical emergency occurs, every second matters.  The National City Fire Department's Vial of Life Program helps ensure that emergency responders have immediate access to important medical information when you may be unable to communicate.

By keeping your medical information readily available in your home, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians can make faster and more informed treatment decisions during an emergency.

What Is the Vial of Life?

The Vial of Life is a simple, free program that allows you to record important medical information, including:

• Current medications
• Medication allergies
• Medical conditions
• Emergency contacts
• Physician information
• Other important health information

This information is placed inside a magnetic folder that is stored on your refrigerator, where emergency responders know to look during a medical emergency.

How It Works

Getting started is easy:

1. Complete the medical information form.
2. Place the completed form inside the Vial of Life folder.
3. Attach the magnetic folder to your refrigerator.
4. Review and update your information whenever your medications or medical history change.

Who Should Use the Vial of Life?

The Vial of Life Program is recommended for:

• Older adults
• Individuals living alone
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Anyone taking prescription medications
• Individuals with medication allergies
• Anyone who wants emergency responders to have quick access to important medical information

Request a Free Vial of Life

The National City Fire Department provides Vial of Life kits free of charge.  To request a kit or learn more about the program:

Email: fire@nationalcityca.gov

Phone: (619) 336-4550

Learn More About Emergency Medical Services

Interested in learning more about how National City firefighters provide emergency medical care?  Visit our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) page to learn about the advanced medical services available in our community.