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Garland fire officials urge seniors to record medical details, check smoke alarms
Summary
Garland Fire Department presenters told seniors at a center meeting that a simple magnet with medical details and phone 'Medical ID' entries can help first responders, and described a smoke-alarm program for low-income residents.
Jerry Click, a presenter from the Garland Fire Department, told seniors at a Garland Senior Center meeting that recording basic medical information can speed emergency care if residents are injured or unconscious.
"I wanna talk to you about the importance of us knowing your medical information," said Jerry Click, who distributed a two-sided form for residents to place on a refrigerator or carry on their phone. He recommended filling the form in pencil so it can be updated and using the phone’s Health/Medical ID function so responders can access information even if a person is unconscious.
Click described a small first-aid kit handed out at the meeting and urged seniors to check smoke alarms at home. "If your smoke alarm is older than 10 years, it needs to be replaced," Click said, and he noted newer alarms often have nonreplaceable batteries meant to last about a decade.
Click also said the fire department can install alarms for residents who cannot afford them, but the program is limited to those on fixed incomes after builders repeatedly took large quantities. "We have a program, and it's mainly for your people on a fixed income, your older population," he said. Seniors were told to contact the fire department offices to request installation or battery help.
The department introduced Battalion Chief Tommy Little as the newly installed fire marshal. Little said he grew up in Garland and that he and the department will review plans for a new senior services building and help where engines are available. "So anytime you need me for any questions ... we'll try to get you whatever help you need," Little said.
Meeting organizers encouraged attendees to place the form on a magnet on their fridge and to put the same information in their phone’s medical ID because a refrigerator is obviously not available if a person is injured away from home. Click emphasized that medication lists and conditions such as blood-thinner use are especially important facts for emergency clinicians to know.
