Prairie Heart Institute of Illinois has launched a program called “Check The Fridge” to aid Fire Department and EMS in getting current medications, allergies and medical conditions when responding to house calls quickly.  The “Check the Fridge” kit consists of a fill-in medication form and magnetic vinyl sleeve that can be put on the resident’s refrigerator so that responders who arrive at a home can quickly “check the fridge” to have access to current medications, allergies, medical conditions, pharmacy and physician information.

For emergency responders, patient medications play an important role in assessment and treatment.  Now, more than ever, we are seeing how important it is to keep a list of current medications, allergies, insurance information and other medical information for emergency situations.  Having an accurate list ensures the safest, most efficient transfer of information to emergency personnel, the hospital and other healthcare workers.

Why is it so important?

  • More than 60% of adults in the United States who are over the age of 65 take at least 5 medications each week.  15% take at least 10 medications a week.
  • Inconsistent recordkeeping and lack of knowledge are responsible for 50% of all medication errors in the hospital and cause up to 20% of adverse drug events.
  • In an emergency situation, many patients are not able to speak or remember all medications that they or a loved one is taking.

Battalion Chief Donnie Richardson of the Springfield Fire Department said, “The Check the Fridge initiative will assist EMS responders in obtaining a current medication list in situations where the patient is unable to provide that information. An accurate medication list can help EMS responders provide focused pre-hospital care which will result in better patient outcomes.”

Dr. Michelle Alepra, Director of Emergency Medicine for HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield agrees, “We can assess a patient and administer the most accurate and appropriate care much faster when we know the patient’s most complete medical story:  medications, allergies, medical conditions, etc.  Having that information readily available will ensure that we do the best we can, as quickly as we can in situations where seconds count.”

Prairie Stat Heart Nurses, Julie Richardson, RN, BSN and Chelsey Jennings, RN, BSN, are educating local EMS and Fire Department personnel about the program.  The kits are available to pick up in the main lobby of the Prairie Heart Institute at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, 619 E. Mason Street.