Emergency Response Information Kits

The Emergency Response Information Kits (Erik) are designed to ensure that critical information is available to paramedics and other health professionals in the event of an emergency.

A key part of the kit, designed to attach magnetically to the user’s refrigerator, is a form where seniors or those with health concerns can keep information such as the name of their doctor, their medical history, any medications they use and the name of the pharmacy used.  

Keeping information on medications in one highly visible and central location will make it easier for paramedics to respond to health emergencies. Paramedics won’t need to search through medicine cabinets or question neighbors to provide them with life saving information.  Participates will be given a sticker so that paramedics will know when they come in the door to look for the kit on the refrigerator door.

By having the information readily available, ERIK is intended to support seniors whether they live on their own or in seniors’ complex.  Having the kit helps decrease the feeling of helplessness in an emergency, and allows for a faster response.

Updating the information is crucial and seniors will be told in the information sessions held prior to receiving the kits that they will need to make a commitment to keep the kit updated and visible. Senior’s can take their sheet to their local pharmacist to have it updated when filling their prescriptions.

In addition to the information for health care providers, the ERIK folder contains advice on calling for emergency assistance. Seniors are reminded to call 911 first, rather than calling a friend or family member, to identify themselves and state their address immediately when the emergency operator answers. The kit also contains space for a living will and for an organ donor card. The organ donor card is important, because many seniors assume that they are too old to be organ donors.  In fact, there is no upper age limit on donating.

Erik is available from the Resource Department of the Gordon Howard Centre, 384 Eveline Street.  We are asking that anyone taking a kit to please make a donation to cover the expense of more kits. Tax receipt will be issued for donations of $5.00 or more.