MEDS Program | Vacaville, CA

The Vacaville Fire Department has developed an emergency medical identification program. This program is called MEDS - Medical Emergency Data System. As responders to a medical emergency, it is important for us to gather critical patient medical data quickly and accurately. In a crisis situation, patients or their family members may be too frightened or overwhelmed by their emergency to remember medical history or prescribed medications. At times, we find patients alone, disoriented, unconscious, or unable to speak. The intent of this program is to provide responders to a medical emergency with this critical information, greatly enhancing the ability of medical personnel to treat patients. Correct assessment and treatment could mean the difference between life and death.

Who Should Participate

About one out of every four people has a pre-existing medical condition that can complicate emergency treatments.
One hundred million Americans (36%) of the population suffer from chronic conditions.
220,000 Americans make unplanned visits to Emergency Rooms each day.
Of these patients, 13,000 suffer life-threatening delays in treatment because critical medical history is lacking about such conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and drug allergies.

Benefits of the Program

There is no cost to participants.
Having an up-to-date record of your critical medical facts readily available to emergency responders can be a lifesaver, especially for anyone who winds up in an ambulance and can’t (for whatever reason) communicate.
The MEDS sheet is a valuable record that may help reduce the problem of multiple physicians prescribing multiple medications causing adverse reactions.
The program enables emergency responders to gather critical patient medical information quickly and accurately at the scene of a medical emergency. The information provided will enhance our ability to assess and treat you.

The MEDS kit comes with a data sheet and magnet so you can mount it on your refrigerator where paramedics can easily find it. The kit also includes a sticker for your door or window that alerts the paramedics to your participation in the MEDS program. Click here for an example of the data sheet.

How To Participate

You can pick up your FREE MEDS Kit from any one of these locations:

Location	Address
Fire Administration	650 Merchant Street - 449-5452
Fire Station #71	111 South Orchard
Fire Station #72	2001 Ulatis Drive
Fire Station #73	650 Eubanks Court
Fire Station #74	1850 Alamo Drive
Fire Station #75	111 Cogburn Circle

It is important for you to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available as you complete the Medical Data Sheet.
If you need assistance in filling out the form, please contact us.
We recommend you check the Medical Data Sheet for accuracy once every six months or when your medical conditions change.
A good time to check the form is when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors at the changing of the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

The City of Vacaville and the generosity of merchants and residents in our community make funding for this program possible. We thank you for your continued efforts and support. If you wish to contribute to the Vacaville Department MEDS Program, please make your check payable to the Vacaville Fire Department MEDS Program and mail to the address below. You will receive an acknowledgement letter and receipt for your tax files.

Vacaville Fire Department

MEDS Program

650 Merchant Street

Vacaville, CA 95688