Volunteers to Assemble Thousands of "Vial of LIFE" Kits for Seniors

Tomorrow, dozens of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will help prepare thousands of potentially life-saving Vial of LIFE kits that will be distributed to seniors across Albuquerque.  

When a medical emergency happens, first responders say knowing a patient’s history can be critical. That’s why the Department of Senior Affairs is partnering with Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) to encourage more residents to participate in Vial of LIFE (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies), a national initiative designed to ensure that a patient’s medical history is easily accessible to paramedics.

Each kit contains a sticker, magnet, and medical information form. The sticker is placed on a home’s front door or window to alert first responders of the resident’s participation in Vial of LIFE. The form is then attached to the resident’s refrigerator using the magnet.

“Protecting the health and safety of Albuquerque residents as they age is a vital part of our mission,” said Anna Sanchez, Director of Senior Affairs. “By working with AFR to implement this program, we’re able to do that, while also providing seniors and their families with some added peace of mind.”

“Calling 911 is a stressful endeavor,” said AFR Lt. Athena Valerio-Hirschfeld. “Vial of LIFE is a tool that helps decrease the stress by allowing first responders to better understand a patient’s medical situation, and saves valuable time when minutes and seconds matter.”

The volunteers will assemble the kits on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 9 a.m. at Barelas Senior Center for their 9/11 National Day of Service project.

The Department of Senior Affairs plans to distribute the kits to its home-delivered meals and senior services clients. The kits will also be available at all eight City of Albuquerque senior and multigenerational centers.