Buxton Lions urge elderly to take up lifesaving Message in a Bottle

The organisation has supplied trays of the cylindrical containers - to all seven Buxton chemists plus Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge branches.

Recognised by paramedics, police, firefighters and social services, the tubes alert emergency services to a patient’s medical conditions in a rescue situation.

They are universally kept in fridges in patients’ homes so that relevant details about allergies or other health risks can be known before treatment is begun.

David Brindley, secretary of Buxton Lions, described how he and fellow volunteers were constantly resupplying pharmacies such as Buxton’s Boots with the vital containers.

Buxton Lions are working as part of a national Lions campaign called Message in a Bottle.

He said: “The idea behind the scheme is simple – that if the emergency services are called to your home one of the first things they want to know is whether you have any medical

conditions or are taking any kind of medication.

“Inside the bottle there will be a form which you will have completed, giving all your essential medical information.

“A sticker on your fridge door and another one inside your main outside door will alert them to this information.

“This is so important - if you’re unable to communicate after having a stroke then emergency medics know your medical history.”

The bottles are now available at every pharmacy in Buxton, Chapel and Whaley Bridge.

Alternatively, email [email protected] with your name and address or phone 07989 710832 and Buxton Lions will deliver a sanitised bottle to your door.

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