Be Prepared
Facing an emergency can be overwhelming, especially if you have a rare or complex medical condition. This page offers vital information on how proactive steps and technology and can enhance your safety and provide reassurance to both yourself and your loved one.
This page details ways to enhance the emergency response at your location. There is information on how to place a marker on your address for to ensure the paramedics are aware of your medical needs prior to arrival. It is also possible to notify the fire service about your specific circumstances so they are aware you may require tailored evacuation instructions.
Your preparedness can make all the difference.
In the event of someone with FOP or POH needing to call an ambulance, it is helpful for the paramedics have some prior knowledge of the conditions.
In the UK, it is possible to have a marker or flag placed on a patient’s home address (and often their school or workplace) to alert the ambulance crew that in the event of an emergency, the patient requires specialist medical treatment. All ambulance trusts have their own procedures for this process.
What is an ambulance marker? Click here to download: Ambulance Marker FAQ
For specific information related to the Trust where you live, please contact FOP Friends: Contact Us
If you have significant physical restrictions and mobility issues due to FOP, it is strongly advised that you get in touch with your local fire service to notify them of your needs.
This will allow the firefighters to be fully prepared in the event of them needing to attend your property in the event of an emergency.
The National Fire Chiefs Council has developed an easy-to-follow, online home fire safety check. The tool offers tips and advice on the steps you can take to reduce fire risk in your home. Depending on the responses you provide, they may offer to send the fire service to your home. The firefighters will discuss any specific challenges you would have in the event of an emergency as well as offer general fire safety advice.
You can download their leaflet here: Stay Fire Safe England
To start the Check, visit: Online Home Fire Safety Check
MedicAlert UK is the nation’s only charity medical ID service provider, dedicated to protecting people with complex medical conditions by ensuring their vital information is readily accessible during emergencies.
We are excited to have partnered with MedicAlert to provide all patients with FOP or POH a year’s free membership of the scheme.
Visit our page here: FOP Friends x MedicAlert