Calgary Co-op Parnership Helping Paramedics to Save Lives

October 5, 2004, Calgary, Alberta - People don't wake up and plan to call 9-1-1. You cannot predict when a medical emergency will occur, and the expertise of Calgary's paramedics will be required to treat you and quickly get you to a hospital. As a result, when a medical emergency occurs, people are often poorly prepared.

The Capsule of Life helps you plan in advance and be prepared, should you require paramedics in a medical emergency. The Capsule of Life can help paramedics save your life!

In May a new partnership was announced between TransCanada and the EMS Foundation. TransCanada's commitment provides Calgarians with 30,000 Capsules of Life over three years.

Today, another partnership is being announced with Calgary Co-op that makes the Capsule of Life even more accessible to Calgarians.

When paramedics respond to a medical emergency in your home, a special fridge magnet can alert them to check inside your refrigerator for the Capsule of Life. Each capsule can provide information such as medical conditions, prescription medications or allergies. This important information helps them provide the best possible care.

Each plastic capsule contains blank information forms. Once completed, this form gives pertinent data regarding an individual's doctor, current prescriptions, allergies and next of kin. It also provides accurate patient history and other necessary information about each member of the household with medical problems. This form is then stored in the capsule, which is kept inside the refrigerator. In the event of an emergency, emergency personnel can easily access the Capsule of Life. Any Calgarian could require the services of Calgary EMS at any time, and therefore, the Capsule of Life is for everyone.

Starting today, all 20 Calgary Co-op pharmacies have Capsules of Life available for Calgarians and their professional pharmacists can answer questions and assist customers with the capsules. Calgary Co-op pharmacists see people every day who may have a variety of medical conditions, making these professionals perfectly poised to provide the Capsule of Life to people who can benefit most.

The Capsule of Life is provided to Calgarians FOR FREE and is available at any Calgary Co-op pharmacy, or by visiting EMS Headquarters at 1807 Macleod TR SE. The EMS Foundation is able to provide the Capsule of Life at no cost to Calgarians because of valuable community partnerships with organizations like TransCanada and Calgary Co-op.

Visit www.calgaryems.com for information on the Capsule of Life and other community safety programs.

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For more information, please contact:

Donna Burn, Director, Member and Public Relations
Calgary Co-operative Association Limited
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258; cell 816-7419

Mike Plato, EMT-P, Public Education Officer
Calgary EMS
Telephone: 403 268 2794