FAQs • Gilroy, CA • CivicEngage

How do I use the File of L.I.F.E.?: The form has three sections: Basic information, Medical History and List of Medications. Complete the form as much as you can, so in case of an emergency, the Fire Department can assist you better. The form also has more detailed instructions. Make sure you read and complete the form thoroughly.
Find out how!

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FILE L.I.F.E

1. What is the File of L.I.F.E.?: The File of L.I.F.E. is Lifesaving Information For Emergencies. The File of L.I.F.E. kit is a small magnetic pouch that holds your vital medical information that can be placed on the outside of your refrigerator. This enables emergency medical personnel to quickly locate helpful information regarding your medical history in a time of crisis. It is very important that you keep this information up to date, accurate, and placed prominently on your your refrigerator.

2. Who should use the File of L.I.F.E.?: The File of L.I.F.E is designed for people with special medical conditions such as, heart conditions, prior stroke, seizures, and respiratory conditions. This is also for people who may have a serious allergy to any medications or have any other life threatening allergies. In an emergency every minute counts. Allergies, medications and medical conditions can all have deadly consequences.

3. How do I use the File of L.I.F.E.?: The form has three sections: Basic information, Medical History and List of Medications. Complete the form as much as you can, so in case of an emergency, the Fire Department can assist you better. The form also has more detailed instructions. Make sure you read and complete the form thoroughly.
Find out how!

4. Why should I use the File of L.I.F.E.?: The File of L.I.F.E. program enables emergency responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, etc. to respond quickly to an emergency situation by accessing your medical history. Emergency personnel will know to look for the File of L.I.F.E. on your refrigerator to help them access this life saving information in an emergency situation. If you are unconscious or unavailable to provide this important information to emergency personnel, the File of L.I.F.E. will give this information for you. The File of L.I.F.E. can save lives.

5. Where do I get the File of L.I.F.E.?: You can obtain the File of L.I.F.E. from one of Gilroy’s fire stations.
Gilroy Fire Stations

6. Where are the fire stations located in Gilroy?: The Las Animas Station is located at 8383 Wren Avenue on the corner of Wren and Welburn. The Chestnut station is located at 7070 Chestnut St. at the corner of 9th and Chestnut. The Sunrise station is located at 880 Sunrise Drive.

7. How do I get a File of L.I.F.E. if I am not ambulatory?: If you are unable to pick up a File of L.I.F.E. from your local fire station, then you can send a family member or friend on your behalf to pick one up for you. If you do not know anyone that can pick up a File of L.I.F.E. for you, please call 408-846-0370 so that we can assist you.

8. How do I get more information about the File of L.I.F.E.?: If you have any other questions you can contact us at 408-846-0370.

9. Where can I get another File of L.I.F.E. form?: You can download a form online (PDF) or you may come and pick up an additional form at one of the Gilroy fire stations.

10. Should I include a sample of medication in my File of L.I.F.E.?: Please do not include a sample of the medication you are taking in your File of L.I.F.E. On the form, please list the medications you are taking, as well as the dosage and how often you take your medicine. This is the kind of information that is helpful to emergency responders.

11. Why do I need to fill out my File of L.I.F.E form in pencil?: It is important to fill out your File of L.I.F.E. form in pencil, so that you can easily make changes about your medications, emergency contacts or your medical history. It is very important to keep this information current.

12. What do I do if my medical information changes?: Use a pencil to erase the old information and rewrite the new information in its place. It is not necessary to contact the Fire Department every time that you have to make a change on your File of L.I.F.E. form. if you need another form because the form is messy or hard to read , you can always download another File of L.I.F.E from the Fire Department’s City webpage, or go to your local fire station.

13. Is the File of L.I.F.E. used in all cities?: The File of L.I.F.E. program is known internationally, however it may not be available in every city. We have adapted this program specifically for the residents of the Gilroy community.

14. Can I get a File of L.I.F.E. for a friend that does not live in Gilroy?: Since the File of L.I.F.E. has been made available through the Gilroy Fire Department, it was intended to target residents with serious health conditions in the Gilroy community only. Unfortunately, our resources for this program only allow us to provide this program to Gilroy residents. People that live outside the City of Gilroy are encouraged to contact their local Fire Department or local health care facilities to obtain more information about whether a program like this has been developed for their area.

15. What do I do if there is more than one File of L.I.F.E. user in the same residence?: If you have more than one person in your residence that qualifies for this program, just keep all of the forms in the same magnetic pouch /file on the refrigerator. It is not necessary to have a pouch/file for each person. Make sure to attach a recent picture to your form to distinguish each user.

16. Why should I include a photo with my File of L.I.F.E. form?: It is important to include a recent photo with your File of L.I.F.E. form to distinguish between users. Even if you live alone, it is important to include a recent photo with your form just in case you happen to have guests stay in your home. By including a recent photo you can be sure that there is no confusion for emergency personnel.