Brian Curry
It has now been just over a year since the Sun Lakes Fire Department introduced their medical flash drive initiative designed and administered by members of its volunteer Community Assistance Program.
In that year over 1,850 have been sold as CAP members have fielded inquiries from not only Sun Lakes residents, but from all over Arizona and even from out of state agencies.
The flash drive comes with two forms that you can place all your medical information on. Things like your medical history, medications, doctors and allergies. The second page lists people that you would want notified in the event of an emergency and any other special instructions.
Then when Sun Lakes Fire Department paramedics respond on a medical emergency that involves you they can insert your flash drive into their “electronic patient care report” tablet and within seconds your info is transferred over.
A large-scale community outreach explaining the SLFD’s flash drive initiative has been largely spearheaded by CAP members Nancy Roberts, Shelley Hughes, Kim Schmuck and Betty Earp who started the program. These, along with other CAP members, have spent time at community open houses, as well as speaking to numerous Sun Lakes groups ranging from the Korean War Veterans to the Cottonwood/Palo Verde security committee.
Some Sun Lakes residents who have already purchased flash drives but are uncomfortable or unable to enter their information or others who have been hesitant to purchase a flash drive due to not being totally confident around a computer can be helped at an Open Assistance Day being hosted by members of SLFD’s Community Assistance Program.
The event will take place on Wednesday, February 10 in Cottonwood’s Ceramics room (A8) between the hours of 1:00-4:00 p.m. Reservations must be made by calling Nancy Roberts at 1-419-306-2959 or e-mailing her at [email protected].
If a person wants to either bring their own flash drive or purchase one at the event and have their information uploaded CAP asks them to bring a few things. You will need to bring your laptop and medications in their original bottles. Also, bring the names and contact numbers for anyone you would want notified in an emergency. CAP members will also be on hand to answer any other questions.
There will also be arrangements for those who want the security of having a medical flash drive, but do not own a computer.
Medical flash drives can also be purchased during normal business hours at the Department’s Station Two on Alma School Road just north of Riggs Road.