The Santa Clara Fire Department maintains an innovative medical database program. The program provides information to Santa Clara Fire Department personnel that will enable them to render more efficient customer service to citizens with special needs. Information on individuals who use life and health sustaining medical equipment is especially important in these times of potential electric blackouts.

The program places physically challenged individuals in various categories depending on the severity of their medical condition, and provides Fire personnel with detailed information to allow for better potential services under emergency conditions. Participation in the program is voluntary. 

The Santa Clara Fire Department also encourages all citizens with electric powered life and health sustaining medical equipment to become self reliant and prepare for a possible electric outage. This can take the form of having extra medical supplies such as oxygen, back-up batteries for power, and portable electric generators. 

Call 408-615-4900 for additional information or to register in the Santa Clara Fire Department's Medical Database Program.

File of Life Can be a Lifesaver

Medical emergencies can happen anytime. When they do, there is confusion, panic and urgency.

Public Safety Dispatchers, police, fire and paramedics often have very little or no information about the person in need. Seconds count – and, can make the difference between life and death. Does the patient have prior medical conditions? Allergies? What medications are they taking? Who do they want us to call? How do we contact their family or friends?

File of Life puts these answers at their fingertips. It allows first responders to immediately begin the best possible treatment, notify loved ones and pass this vital data on to awaiting physicians at the emergency room.

File of Life forms, as well as advance directives, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and physician orders for life sustaining treatment (POLST) should be placed in a special red magnetic sleeve and kept in a noticeable location (e.g. refrigerator door).

File of Life forms are available here

https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/fire-department/community-resources/file-of-life

and the magnetic sleeve to hold the forms can be obtained at any of the Santa Clara Fire Department's ten fire stations

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