NBCEMS has participated in the File of Life (Vial of Life) program for many years. What is File of Life, you ask? The File of Life assists in compiling pertinent patient information that may be needed during a medical emergency.

NBCEMS provides a spice jar with a blank form where a person can record their demographics, medications, medical history, and allergies. Insurance information and next of kin may be included as well. The form is then placed in the jar and the jar is placed in your refrigerator. Two File of Life stickers are included - place one on the outside of the jar and the other on a window of the exterior door through which EMS will enter your house. EMS personnel who observe the File of Life sticker will know that there is pertinent information available in the refrigerator.

How do you get a File of Life? That’s easy: stop by our EMS station and ask for one. File of Life jars will also be stored in our ambulances. Get yours this week and fill it out!  This helps NBCEMS personnel to help you.

NBCEMS hosts the Mobility Assistance Program which loans crutches, walkers, canes, and wheel chairs, to the mobility-impaired who need them yet do not have them.

NBCEMS has compiled a supply of the above items from past donations where someone in our community used one and no longer needs it, or had a dear loved one who has passed away. These items are made available to those who have non-serviceable items or who otherwise cannot afford to purchase.

If you have crutches, canes, walkers, stools, wheelchairs, et cetera, that you no longer need, or if you know someone who is in need of such, please give the NBCEMS office a call so we can coordinate with you the pick-up and/or drop-off. Of course, this program depends on the availability of equipment.

 

Public Outreach

Bill Watson was Director and President of North Blanco County EMS from 1988 to 2003.  Bill was a major cornerstone in the foundation of the EMS service that is today.

Shortly after Bill's death, NBCEMS created a scholarship fund which awards scholarships to LBJ High School graduates. Bill's widow, Joy Watson, and their children pick two candidates who receive the scholarships. The money for scholarships comes from memorial donations, from fundraisers, 10% of ESA bi-annual garage sales, and from in-kind donations from people like you.

NBCEMS raises money for the scholarship fund by setting up a booth at the Lights Spectacular Event, in Johnson City, during Christmas time. At the booth members sell food with all the proceeds going to the Scholarship Fund. If you attend any of the activities / functions or booths that are hosted/ manned by NBCEMS personnel, there is usually a huge glass jar that asks for donations for the scholarship fund. You may also make donations via PayPal if that is your preference.

Bill Watson Memorial Scholarship Fund

NBCEMS participates with the Blanco County Relay for Life Chapter. NBCEMS usually has two Relay teams that go by the names of Code Blue and Code Blue Jr.

Code Blue is the adult team while the Code Blue Jr. team is for the children of adults. The Code Blue teams have taken the teams with the Most Laps walked for the past four years in a row. The Code Blue teams have booths during the Relay which help raise money. In 2009, Code Blue sold food while the Code Blue Jr. team had a Playstation Guitar Hero contest. NBCEMS has a few fundraisers throughout the year where money is raised for the American Cancer Society. There is fun to had by all. If you would like to share in the camaraderie, we would love to have you join our team. Check out the photos in the photo gallery or by clicking on the link.

Relay for Life       

For several years now, NBCEMS has been in communication with the Cruz Roja in Miramar, Costa Rica. The Cruz Roja (Red Cross) is the Costa Rican version of the Emergency Medical Services and not the Red Cross that you are familiar with. NBCEMS has been donating out dated supplies and equipment that is regulated, in the U. S., by expiration dates, to the Cruz Roja. No medications or fluids are sent due to the delay they would impose in Customs. The good thing is, what the Cruz Roja does not use, they distribute to the area nursing homes. I haven’t heard of anything that is wasted.

A good feeling is when NBCEMS donated a Lifepak 5 heart monitor, a few years back that helped the Cruz Roja shock a patient out of cardiac arrest. That is what it’s all about! As equipment is updated and supplies rotated, NBCEMS will continue to send the Cruz Roja what we can so that the Cruz Roja can keep doing what they are doing.

Sister Service in Costa Rica

THERE WHEN YOU NEED US

North Blanco County EMS

P.O. Box 557

or 105 Bill Watson Dr

Johnson City, TX 78636

File of Life Program

Mobility Assistance Loaner Program

Phone: (830) 868-7834

Fax: (830) 868-9234

Director@NorthBlancoCountyEMS.org