File of Life

Have you ever had to call 911, or do you know someone who has? Quite often, when emergency personnel arrive at the crisis scene, little or no medical information is immediately available concerning the patient. Proper treatment may therefore be delayed.

File of Life materials can help in this situation.

The File of Life is a refrigerator magnet with an attached pocket containing a card that you can record your medical history and other vital emergency information. Fill in the information on the card, put it back in the pocket and place it in a prominent spot on your refrigerator. Your first responders know to look for the File of Life on your refrigerator in the event that you are incapacitated and unable to relay this important information.  Also available is a File of Life decal to place on a window or door to notify first responders
The File of Life is also large enough for you to put other critical medical forms into, such as Advanced Directives, POLST forms, and Durable Power of Attorney over Health Care Decisions. It is a goal of the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District to respectfully carry out your wishes and this will further enable emergency personnel to do so. Please remember it is important to keep this information current, accurate, and on the refrigerator.

The File of Life kit is available free as a public service from the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District.  You may obtain the kit by contacting the Boulder Creek Fire Protection District Office at (831) 338-7222 or pick up during normal business hours at 13230 Central Ave., Boulder Creek.

Instructions For File of Life Information Cards

1. Place decal where it is visible (front door, window, outside bedroom door, bathroom mirror, next to bed)
2. Use PENCIL to complete information card so changes can easily be made.
3. PRINT the information so it is legible.  Ask a friend for help if needed.
4. If you have any questions about the medical or medication information, check with your doctor or pharmacist before putting on card.  This information needs to be accurate.
5. Keep the information up to date.  This is very important as first responders rely on the information for your treatment.  Place the date any changes were made to your card at the top.  Review your card every 6 months and change the date you reviewed it at the top of the card.
6. If you have a “Do Not Resuscitate” card, make a copy of it and place in the pouch with the information card.
7. Place the magnetic pouch, with the information card inserted, on your refrigerator door where it can easily be seen.