Blanco now has a medical program that helps us all. The “Vial of Life” program is a federal program with slight revisions to accommodate local needs. The “Vial of Life” tube – a large medicine bottle – contains papers with medical information that first response teams, like EMS, can quickly access. The vials are kept in the refrigerator door with medicines and medical information. Blanco EMS stickers with “Medical Vial Participant” are placed on your front door to give immediate access to life saving information or “Do Not Resuscitate” documents.

One tube per person with picture and name on tube is needed. Households with multiple members protect their families with preventative care by organizing information and having it readily available, if needed.

Individuals with special medical needs are greatly helped with this program. By having quick access to medical information, better health care is received. If you practice preventative health care and are healthy, you still benefit by participating in the program. Basic medical information with “base-line blood work” helps ensure better health care. If you have a “DNR” in place, the legal document must be in the vial in order for EMS to honor.

EMS is available to assist with questions regarding the forms. The “Vial of Life” tube and forms can be picked up from Blanco EMS at 607 Chandler Road. The tubes are free thanks to help from HEB Bulverde and Strickland Drugs. They will also be distributed at the Blanco Lavender Festival at the EMS booth. The EMS team will be there for you to ask questions or get help filling out the forms.

The new Blanco EMS management is helpful, responsive, and proactive in making Blanco a healthier place. They encourage walk-in visitors who may need blood pressure checked or other medical needs. They are community minded and here for us all.

Pick up your “Vial of Live” now and participate – it is here to serve you. If you need help getting one, give EMS a call at 830-833-5239 and they will help. Their office is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm. They are open 24 hours for emergencies.

For more information about the “Vial of Life” program, email EMS Director Mike West at .