Sheriff DeMarco’s Medical ID Card Program Visits Veterans at Northport VA Hospital

Program Successfully Identified Local Senior and Returned Him Home Safely

On Monday, April 7 and 21, 2008, Suffolk County Sheriff Vincent DeMarco and representatives from the Sheriff’s Office were at Northport VA Hospital implementing the Sheriff’s “In Case of Emergency” Medical ID Card Program. SuffolkCounty residents over the age of 60 and disabled Veterans are eligible to sign up for this free Medical ID Card.

The card contains crucial emergency medical information should the cardholder be in a situation where they may require help but are unable to speak. The front of the card displays the individual’s personal contact information along with their photo and prominently shows any pertinent medical condition such as “diabetes”. The back of the card contains a brief medical history, their primary physician’s contact information, and any next of kin contact information, as well as known allergies.

Recently on Eastern Long Island a bus driver noticed a disoriented elderly gentleman wandering along Montauk Highway. When the driver stopped and questioned the man, the bus driver found him to be confused and unable to give his name and address. Fortunately, the only piece of information the man was carrying was his “In Case of Emergency” Medical ID card. With this critical information the man’s identity and address were quickly established and emergency personnel were able to help him much more efficiently.

This free Medical ID card program is funded through asset forfeiture money, not with taxpayer money.

###

Photo: Sheriff Vincent DeMarco visited NorthportVA