Message in a bottle

Let us know your medical history in an emergency

Working in partnership with the Lion’s Club International, our Message in a Bottle schemeMessage in a bottle in the fridge helps you to keep your personal and medical information in a place where it can easily be found by us in an emergency – your fridge.

Having this information to hand will help the paramedics treating you and could make all the difference in a life-threatening situation.

How does it work?

The Message in a Bottle kit includes a form to complete that you put inside the bottle and keep in your fridge - ideally in the door to allow it to be found quickly in an emergency.

Two stickers are also provided to let paramedics know about the bottle. One should be stuck on your fridge door, and the other inside your front door. If you don’t want a sticker on your fridge, put the other sticker close to your back door.

Filling in the form

You should fill the form in with the following information:

  • Your name and details of any allergies
  • The name, address and contact number for your doctor
  • A brief description of any medical conditions you have or medication you take
  • The contact information for two emergency contacts
  • If you are a carer, the details of the person you are a carer for
  • A copy of your repeat prescription list if you have one.

Who can get a bottle?

The scheme is free and open to anyone in the community. However, it’s particularly suitable for vulnerable people who find it difficult to recall information or communicate with our staff, such as people living with dementia or learning difficulties, or people whose first language isn’t English.

Where can I get a bottle?

The bottles are supplied by the Lion’s Club International to health centres, doctors’ surgeries and chemists, local Lions clubs, Neighbourhood Watch, Age Concern and housing associations. 

We are also distributing the bottles via ambulance crews and at public events across the region.