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Flagler County paramedics, commissioner introduce ‘File of Life’ packets to Palm Coast residents
Summary
Commissioner Kim Carney and Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedics introduced a free "File of Life" packet — a magnetic refrigerator folder and door/window sticker carrying health profiles and state DNR forms — to help EMS find patient directives during emergencies.
Commissioner Kim Carney told the Palm Coast City Council Tuesday that a personal family emergency drove her to champion a revived "File of Life" program for Flagler County.
Carney recounted an October call when paramedics were unable to determine her mother’s do‑not‑resuscitate wishes in time, saying the absence of the right state DNR paperwork led to an outcome she had tried to avoid. "Please help me, Kim," Carney quoted her mother’s last words as she described why the program matters.
Flagler County community paramedics explained the program: participants receive a free magnetic envelope for the refrigerator that holds a concise health profile (emergency contacts, medications, allergies, whether the resident has an advanced directive or state‑signed DNR), and a clear sticker to place on a front window or door so responders know the packet is on site. Staff offered to hand‑deliver packets and to answer questions during delivery.
Paramedic Rob Barrett said the concept updates an older "Vial of Life" practice, modernizing it so EMS can quickly access critical medical information when a patient is incapacitated. Staff emphasized that only the Department of Health’s physician‑signed yellow DNR form is honored across Florida; living wills or family instructions do not substitute for that state document in pre‑hospital care.
Presentation details and access: County staff said packets will be distributed for free; residents can request delivery through the community‑paramedic team at Flagler County Fire Rescue (phone and web contact were provided in the presentation). Councilors praised the outreach and asked staff to post details on the city’s website and social channels.
What’s next: Staff said they will coordinate distribution with doctors’ offices and lawyers who help residents complete the state‑required forms, and the county will continue outreach to ensure residents understand when state DNR paperwork is required.
