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'Message in a Bottle' scheme launched
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A new scheme to help people in times of emergency is being launched in Renfrewshire.
Message in a Bottle is an easy way to make sure emergency services can find your health, and family contact details in the event of an emergency.
Message in a Bottle is an easy way to make sure emergency services can find your health, and family contact details in the event of an emergency.
As part of the scheme, 13,000 special plastic bottles are being distributed to people across Renfrewshire. Each comes with a short form for people to fill in with information such as medical needs and family contact details. The form then goes inside the bottle which is placed inside the person's fridge. A special sticker then goes on the front of the fridge to show the emergency services where they can find these details.
The scheme is designed to help anyone, but people with health conditions or those who live alone may find it particularly helpful.
Councillor Eileen McCartin, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Community and Family Care policy board, said: "Message in a Bottle is designed to give individuals and people who care for them peace of mind. If an emergency situation occurs when someone is home alone, this allows medical staff to immediately find out what specific needs they might have and who to contact.
"It's also important for unpaid carers, who have other people relying on them, in that if something happens to the carer the form will also say who they are responsible for so that alternative arrangements can be put in place for them.
"The scheme is free and is part of Safer and Stronger Renfrewshire which aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by accidents at home."
The initiative is backed by Renfrewshire Council, Scottish Ambulance Service, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Acumen, Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.
Pupils at Castlehead High School, Linwood High, Paisley Grammar and Trinity High School were among those who helped put together the packs containing the bottles, stickers and information sheets ahead of the launch.
The bottles are available free from health centres, libraries and GP surgeries.
Message in a Bottle is funded by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership.
Press release: Tuesday 25 May 2010
