Geoff
09-01-2004, 16:29
Message in a Bottle is a new city wide emergency information scheme for use by anyone in the city who may feel vulnerable in their home. The scheme will be launched on Tuesday 13th January at 11.00am in the Town Hall.
The scheme provides the emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy or someone to contact if they are called to a home as a result of an illness, accident, or crime. Details are stored in a plastic container stored in a fridge (since almost everyone has one and it can be located quickly). One small sticker is attached to the outside of the fridge and 2 further stickers are put on the inside of the person's front and back door. These stickers are known to the emergency services and other caring agencies.
The City of Sheffield Lions Club will be promoting the scheme working in partnership with Sheffield City Council. Shirley Ledger from the Sheffield Lions said "I think it is an excellent idea because it gives security to vulnerable people and though we hope it won't be needed that bit of information could just save a life".
Councillor Pat Midgley, who will help launch the scheme city wide said "I'm pleased that this scheme is now available across Sheffield, so that everyone who needs to can benefit from having a bottle in their fridge."
The Emergency and Health Services, together with faith based and voluntary groups will play a crucial role in delivering the scheme throughout the city. Community groups from across the city including Tenants' and Residents' Associations and Community Forums will attend on Tuesday to collect bottles for local distribution.
The scheme was piloted in the Hallam Ward. About 400 bottles have been distributed to older people mainly in Lodge Moor and Crosspool. Isobel Cross, one of those who has a bottle in her fridge, said "I feel a sense of security knowing the information is available in my fridge. I hope it isn't needed but am glad it is there, just in case somebody does need to follow the instructions. I hope that other people get involved in the scheme."
The scheme provides the emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy or someone to contact if they are called to a home as a result of an illness, accident, or crime. Details are stored in a plastic container stored in a fridge (since almost everyone has one and it can be located quickly). One small sticker is attached to the outside of the fridge and 2 further stickers are put on the inside of the person's front and back door. These stickers are known to the emergency services and other caring agencies.
The City of Sheffield Lions Club will be promoting the scheme working in partnership with Sheffield City Council. Shirley Ledger from the Sheffield Lions said "I think it is an excellent idea because it gives security to vulnerable people and though we hope it won't be needed that bit of information could just save a life".
Councillor Pat Midgley, who will help launch the scheme city wide said "I'm pleased that this scheme is now available across Sheffield, so that everyone who needs to can benefit from having a bottle in their fridge."
The Emergency and Health Services, together with faith based and voluntary groups will play a crucial role in delivering the scheme throughout the city. Community groups from across the city including Tenants' and Residents' Associations and Community Forums will attend on Tuesday to collect bottles for local distribution.
The scheme was piloted in the Hallam Ward. About 400 bottles have been distributed to older people mainly in Lodge Moor and Crosspool. Isobel Cross, one of those who has a bottle in her fridge, said "I feel a sense of security knowing the information is available in my fridge. I hope it isn't needed but am glad it is there, just in case somebody does need to follow the instructions. I hope that other people get involved in the scheme."